Residents forced to evacuate after ethanol train derails in Minnesota

 

Image Source thenews.com.pk

A train carrying ethanol and corn syrup derailed in Raymond, a small town in west-central Minnesota, causing a massive fire and prompting evacuations early in the morning. BNSF Railway, the carrier of the train, said in a statement that the incident occurred around 1:02 a.m. Fortunately, no one was hurt.

According to the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Department, the derailment caused several cars to catch fire, leading to the establishment of an evacuation zone with a half-mile radius around the area. A nearby school was converted into a shelter for the evacuees, who numbered around 150. CBS Minnesota reported that the shelter was later moved to a church so that the school could resume classes. The Red Cross was also present to provide assistance.

Image Source cbsnews.com

However, several cars were burning, and the Kandiyohi County Sheriff's Department established an evacuation zone with a half-mile radius around the derailment site. A nearby school was utilized as a shelter for evacuees, and the Red Cross provided assistance to those affected. As per CBS Minnesota, around 150 people spent the night at the shelter.

Raymond, a town of approximately 800 residents, is located about two hours west of the Twin Cities, as CBS Minnesota points out.