A small North Dakota city was being evacuated Monday night after a two-train derailment caused several oil tankers to explode and burn, authorities said.
A westbound train carrying grain jumped the tracks about 2:10 p.m. CT (3:10 p.m. ET) just west of Casselton, near Fargo, and crashed into an eastbound train hauling oil, a Burlington Northern Santa Fe spokeswoman said. The cause of the derailment is under investigation.
No injuries were reported among the train crews.
An estimated 10 cars of the 106-car oil train were on fire, and authorities said they would let them burn out. Train operators uncoupled about 80 cars and moved them away from the blaze.
After a partial, precautionary evacuation of about 300 residents, shifting winds early in the evening prompted the Cass County Sheriff's Office to recommend that the entire town of 2,300 people leave, along with anyone within a five-mile radius, the Fargo-based Inforum newspaper reported.
Residents within a two-mile radius were warned earlier in the day to stay inside; that was later expanded to 10 miles. Smoke could be seen 15 miles away.
Residents reported hearing at least six explosions.
"I looked out the window and all of a sudden the train car tipped over and the whole thing was engulfed in flames and it just exploded," said 13-year-old Hannah Linnard, who was at her friend's house about half a mile from the derailment. "The oil car tipped over onto the grain car."
She said she could feel the heat from the blaze even inside.
Casselton is the hometown of the state's current governor, Jack Dalrymple, and four predecessors.
With the development of the massive Bakken formation, North Dakota is now one of nation's top oil states. In October, nearly 1 million barrels were produced, and most of it was moved by rail.
UPDATE: Entire City of Casselton N.D. Being Evacuated
UPDATED 7:10 P.M.
The Cass County Sheriff's Office is strongly recommending an evacuation of the entire City of Casselton and anyone residing five miles to the south and east of Casselton, effective immediately.
Information from the National Weather Service indicates a shift in the weather resulting in a high pressure system that will push the plume of smoke down increasing the risk of potential health hazards.
Those in the areas south and east of Casselton are also encouraged to consider evacuating, specifically Durbin Township and Everest Township east of ND State Highway 18.
Those evacuated should go to a safe location until further notice. If evacuees need a place to go, the Red Cross and Salvation Army have organized a shelter at Discovery Middle School, 1717 40th Ave S, in Fargo.
If children are located by emergency responders they will be brought to Central Cass High School for reunification with a guardian.
If transportation is needed from your home, contact the Cass County Tactical Operations Center at (701) 297-6000.
This evacuation is precautionary and in anticipation of potential changes in wind direction. Those within the evacuation zone are not currently in immediate danger but the potential exists if the wind changes direction.
Cass County Sheriff's Deputies and Casselton Fire Fighters will be going door to door in the evacuation zone to inform and assist those who reside in that area.
The shelter at Discovery Middle School will be opened by 6:30 p.m. Monday night. Anyone coming to the shelter should enter through west gymnasium doors.
The Red Cross is preparing to take in 100 people at the shelter, but have the capacity to hold up to 500. The shelter will be equipped with cots, food, and other necessary items for families displaced.
A Red Cross disaster mental health professional is also being deployed to the shelter to provide emotional support.
UPDATED 4:30 P.M.
From the Cass County Sheriff's Office: A 104 car BNSF Train collided with another train while traveling eastbound approximately one mile west of Casselton, ND. How the collision occurred is unknown at this time.
The east bound train was carrying crude oil. Approximately 10 cars are fully engulfed resulting in heavy smoke in the area. Casselton Fire and the Fargo HazMat Team are currently battling the fire.
This is a HazMat incident. All people and animals within a 10 mile radius of Casselton, ND should find shelter and avoid going outside until the incident and area are deemed safe.
ORIGINAL STORY
BREAKING NEWS: A train is derailed west of Casselton, North Dakota. It happened at 35th Street and 154th Avenue Southeast just before 2:20 p.m. Monday.
No injuries have been reported so far. Several area emergency teams are on scene and are setting up an incident command center. The Cass County Sheriff's Office says a train went off the tracks and a second train hit it.
Several train cars are on fire and huge plumes of toxic, black smoke can be seen for miles. Several explosions have also been reported. Emergency crews are urging people to stay inside and a code red alert has been sent out to residents in a two mile radius of the accident.
The Casselton Fire Department says a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train is involved. An unknown number of cars derailed, but we're told the train that is derailed was pulling more than 100 cars, some carrying oil.
The wind is from the northwest, which means the smoke may miss Casselton but people living to the southeast of town are being told to stay inside. The Casselton Fire Department says there is some concern that the derailment is near an ethanol plant.
A Valley News Live Crew is on scene. We will bring you more pictures and more information as soon as we get it.
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