Massive explosion follows North Dakota train derailment, collision

The accident happened just after 2:00 p.m. local time. An unknown number of cars derailed, though Cecily Fong – public information officer with the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services – estimated the number at seven or eight out of at least 100.

Fong would not speculate on the cargo on board, but a local firefighter told NewsDakota.com that the train belongs to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp. (BNSF) and was indeed carrying oil.

Authorities said the train went off the track less than a mile outside Casselton, North Dakota (2010 population: 2,329) and was then struck by a second train. The town’s mayor told reporters that there were no casualties in the accident, though multiple blasts could be seen from miles away.

Emergency officials have issued a ‘code red’ alert and asked residents to remain indoors, warning that hazardous material could be in the air. The Fire Department said it will likely let the cars burn out by themselves, as the risk of approaching is too great.

source: RT