A car on a freight train carrying a flammable and toxic substance derailed and caught fire in Tennessee, prompting the evacuation of thousands of people.
The fire was still burning around noon on Thursday, Maryville City Manager Greg McClain said at a news conference.
Ten first responders received hospital treatment after breathing fumes, but otherwise officials said there were no reported injuries.
Photo: Knoxville News Sentinel via AP
Blount County Fire Department Lieutenant Johnny Leatherwood said a call about the train derailment came in on Wednesday night at 11:50pm in Maryville.
About 5,000 people in the area were evacuated, along with several businesses. A manufacturing plant, Denso Manufacturing, closed down on Thursday morning because of its proximity to the derailment, Blount County firefighter Kermit Easterling said.
CSX regional vice president for state government affairs Craig Camuso said the derailed car was carrying acrylonitrile. The company said it is a hazardous material used in multiple industrial processes, including making plastics. It is flammable and dangerous if inhaled.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, acrylonitrile is a colorless liquid. It said some effects of breathing acrylonitrile include headaches, dizziness, irritability and rapid heartbeat.
Blount County Memorial Hospital spokesman Josh West said the 10 first responders were given oxygen, which is standard procedure after exposure to the chemical. He said they were not injured, but were being held for observation.
He also said no local residents underwent treatment due to fumes.
Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell asked residents near the derailment site not to drink well water. He said CSX would provide bottled water to residents at a local middle school.
McClain added that there is no indication yet whether well water has been affected by the incident.
He also advised evacuees to make plans to be away from home at least for Thursday night.
Camuso said the company is placing evacuees in hotels, would provide reimbursement when it sets up its outreach center, and provide gift cards for food and essentials to those who need them.
The train was traveling from Cincinnati to Waycross, Georgia.
Camuso said it had 57 cars and two locomotives, and that 27 cars carried hazardous chemicals — nine with acrylonitrile, 16 with propane and two with asphalt.
He said the cause of the derailment was not known.
A statement from the Federal Railroad Administration said the agency had investigators at the scene.
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