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Huge fire after US oil train derails in North Dakota North Dakota town evacuates after oil train fire
(about 11 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. Residents of a North Dakota town have evacuated after a mile-long train carrying crude oil burst into flames after derailing nearby on Monday.
A plume of thick black smoke could be seen many miles away and explosions were heard. Most of Casselton's residents left their homes as winds blew potentially hazardous smoke toward the town overnight, Mayor Ed McConnell said.
No injuries were reported, but officials are urging people from the nearby town of Casselton - some 2,300 people - to evacuate as a precaution. No injuries were reported in the crash.
An investigation into the incident has been launched. Estimates of the fire varied, with the rail firm saying they believed about 20 cars had caught fire while the local sheriff said 10 cars were ablaze.
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. On Tuesday, investigators still could not get close to the burning train and officials said the cars would be allowed to burn out.
Earlier, 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.
'Not if, when'
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.
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.
Mr McConnell said most residents had heeded that warning.
"I drove in this morning and looked like most people had left," he told the Associated Press news agency. "There weren't a lot of lights on."
Officials have said a change in weather patterns could expose residents to smoke and possible health hazards.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.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.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. Mr McConnell said it was time to "have a conversation" about the dangers of transporting oil by rail.
"I could almost feel the house shake... it was loud," she said. "There have been numerous derailments in this area," he said. "It's almost gotten to the point that it looks like not if we're going to have an accident, it's when."
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. The number of crude oil carloads transported by US rail lines jumped from almost 11,000 in 2009 to a projected 400,000 in 2013.
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. Despite the surge, the rate of accidents has stayed relatively steady.
But some have been deadly. 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.