Train Carrying Crude Oil Derails in Virginia, Bursts Into Flames
A train derailed in Lynchburg, Va. Wednesday afternoon, causing at least three cars carrying crude oil to burst into flames next to the James River. About 300 people were evacuated from the area, though a city spokesperson said firefighters have the blaze contained. No injuries were reported.
"The train had completely come off the tracks, and the fireball, it's very large," one witness told the Los Angeles Times. "They evacuated us out pretty quickly. My guess is something ruptured in the tanks, and they got sparks from cars hitting together."
Train just blew up behind my office in Lynchburg. pic.twitter.com/5UKGfbiiNS
— Government Fool (@GovtFool) April 30, 2014
Train derailment in lower basin. Watch live: http://t.co/wucMzZtps4 pic.twitter.com/JSfKIqda7G
— ABC13News (@ABC13News) April 30, 2014
Evacuation underway in city of #Lynchburg #Virginia where train (tanker cars) derailed and exploded. Pop. 75,568 pic.twitter.com/r7GkO4SJnM
— Mark Day (@1310NewsDay) April 30, 2014
Lynchburg James River pic.twitter.com/OkIcZzWMS5
— James Riverkeeper (@UpperJamesRK) April 30, 2014