Freight train derails in Illinois, forcing residents to evacuate
About 20 train cars carrying various substances derailed near Matteson, Illinois, outside Chicago on Thursday, forcing residents to evacuate their homes. (WFLD)
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
Train cars are piled up after a derailment in Matteson, Illinois, on Thursday. Emergency officials ordered an evacuation after a freight train derailed in suburban Chicago. No injuries have been reported. (WLS via AP)
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.
A train derailed near Matteson, Illinois, on Thursday. (WFLD)
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
A freight train derailed near Matteson, Illinois, on Thursday. (WFLD)
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.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
"Residents should continue to take precautions at the direction of first responders," the governor said. "Thank you to those on the scene providing assistance."
True Crime
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
