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Huge fire after US oil train derails in North Dakota | Huge fire after US oil train derails in North Dakota |
(about 3 hours later) | |
Wagons from a mile-long train carrying crude oil have burst into flames as they derailed after a collision in the US state of North Dakota. | Wagons from a mile-long train carrying crude oil have burst into flames as they derailed after a collision in the US state of North Dakota. |
A plume of thick black smoke could be seen many miles away and explosions were heard. | A plume of thick black smoke could be seen many miles away and explosions were heard. |
No injuries were reported, but officials are urging people from the nearby town of Casselton - some 2,300 people - to evacuate as a precaution. | |
An investigation into the incident has been launched. | An investigation into the incident has been launched. |
A spokeswoman for the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services said the last 50 wagons of the train had been uncoupled, but another 56 remained at risk. | A spokeswoman for the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services said the last 50 wagons of the train had been uncoupled, but another 56 remained at risk. |
The derailment, after a collision involving another goods train, is reported to have happened near an ethanol plant. | The derailment, after a collision involving another goods train, is reported to have happened near an ethanol plant. |
Emergency and fire-fighting crews have been sent to the scene. | Emergency and fire-fighting crews have been sent to the scene. |
Cass County sheriff's office said it was "strongly recommending" that residents in parts of Casselton and anyone living five miles (8km) to the south and east evacuate. | Cass County sheriff's office said it was "strongly recommending" that residents in parts of Casselton and anyone living five miles (8km) to the south and east evacuate. |
Officials have said a change in weather patterns could expose residents to smoke and possible health hazards. | |
Residents within 10 miles of the scene are being asked to stay indoors. | |
A shelter for those evacuated has been set up in Fargo, about 25 miles away. | |
Casselton resident Eva Fercho said she first noticed black smoke and then heard two explosions, WDAY News reported. | Casselton resident Eva Fercho said she first noticed black smoke and then heard two explosions, WDAY News reported. |
"I could almost feel the house shake... it was loud," she said. | "I could almost feel the house shake... it was loud," she said. |
Correspondents say it is the latest in a string of incidents that have raised alarm about a rise in crude oil traffic on the railways. | Correspondents say it is the latest in a string of incidents that have raised alarm about a rise in crude oil traffic on the railways. |
In July a train carrying oil from the Bakken oil region in North Dakota derailed near the Canadian town of Lac Megantic, killing more than 40 people. |