Freight train derails in Illinois; officials determine no immediate danger to public: report
A freight train derailed in Matteson, Illinois on Thursday, with nearly 20 cars carrying various materials leaving the track and forcing residents to evacuate.
A freight train derailed in Matteson, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, on Thursday, prompting some residents within a mile of the crash to evacuate their homes.
FOX 32 in Chicago reported that a Canadian National Railway train derailed near the 21000 block of Main Street at about 10:45 a.m., according to local officials.
As a result, homes nearby were evacuated because of a hazmat situation, as officials were looking at a leaking train car that contained liquefied petroleum gas.
TRAIN DERAILS IN PENNSYLVANIA, SENDS SEVERAL CARS INTO LEHIGH RIVER
The station added that the railcar did in fact leak a limited amount of petroleum gas, which was ultimately contained. Officials noted that there was no danger to the public.
Residents within a mile south of Main Street and 217th Street were given a mandatory evacuation order, as were areas a mile west of Main Street and a quarter of a mile east of Main Street.
Those ordered to evacuate were advised to prepare for a "long-term evacuation" and to take their medications or supplies before leaving their home.
However, the mandatory evacuation order was lifted, except for properties located immediately adjacent to the crash site.
16 FREIGHT CARS DERAIL IN RURAL NEVADA; NO HAZARDOUS SPILLS OR INJURIES REPORTED
Representatives from the Canadian National Railway are heading to the scene to lead the investigation and no injuries have been reported.
According to a Canadian National Railway official, roughly 20 freight cars carrying various substances derailed, though it is unclear what caused the train to leave the tracks.
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker said on X that he and his administration were monitoring the derailment in Matteson and offered any resources needed to local officials.
"Residents should continue to take precautions at the direction of first responders," the governor said. "Thank you to those on the scene providing assistance."
