Thousands evacuated after freight train carrying 'highly flammable and toxic gas' bursts into flames in US
Train reportedly came off the tracks in Tennessee earlier on Thursday
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Thousands of Tennessee residents have been evacuated after a US freight train carrying highly flammable and toxic gas caught fire.
Approximately 5,000 people were evacuated following the declaration of a one-mile evacuation zone around the route taken by the CSX train near the town of Maryville, south of Knoxville.
The train, travelling from Cincinnati to Waycross in Georgia, is believed to be carrying liquefied petroleum gas and acrylonitrile - used to make plastic – and which authorities described as a "highly flammable and toxic gas." The fire was reported at around 12am last night.
The US Environmental Protection Agency warns that exposure to acrylonitrile can cause “headaches, dizziness, and nausea.” It also notes that prolonged exposure can lead to “severe burns to the skin”.
It includes two machine carriages, 45 loaded rail cars and 12 empty rail seats, CSX spokesperson Kristin Seay told ABC News.
Although initial media reports claimed the train had derailed, Blount County Sheriff’s spokeswoman Marian O’Briant said that only one carriage caught fire and there was no derailment. Mrs O'Briant said Hazmat crews have attended the scene as local firecrews evacuated the nearby area.
“Evacuation time could last anywhere from 24 to 48 hours, but we'll get word out as soon as we can,” she added.
There are no reported injuries however seven firefighters had been taken to hospital after breathing in the noxious fumes, NBC News reported.
More as follows
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments