[ad_1]
Raymond residents were allowed to return to their homes after a train carrying ethanol and corn syrup derailed and started a fire early Thursday morning, causing hundreds to evacuate.
It happened around 1:00 am on the western edge of the town of about 800 residents, about 15 miles southwest of Wilmar and about two hours west of the Twin Cities.
BNSF Railway said in a statement that no one was injured when the 22 carriages derailed, and the company now has field personnel on site and is working with local responders to mitigate the incident.
However, after the train derailed, several cars carrying ethanol, a highly flammable liquid, caught fire and were still burning as of noon. Chopper 5 captured aerial footage of the scene all morning.
Kandyyohi County Sheriff Eric Tollefson said knowing what was on the train helped authorities make a quick decision.
“We could quickly see what was inside the train, and we knew there was no great danger,” said Sheriff Torefson. “But they recommended a shelter half a mile away from the fire. That’s what Raymond is all about.”
Aerial view of a train derailment in Raymond, Minnesota (KSTP).
Authorities knocked on hundreds of doors overnight to help evacuate residents, and a site was set up at the Unity Christian Reformed Church in nearby Princeburg. Local authorities have also requested that snacks and water be provided for her members of the community, and Wilmer has also created an online donation site under her Area Response her fund. moreover, Red Cross Responded to help with shelter needs for residents and canteen relief for responders.
About 150 people were there after 7am on Thursday. The evacuees had previously gathered at his Christian school in Central Minnesota, also in Princeburg.
Evacuation orders were officially lifted around 11:45 a.m., allowing residents to return home.
RELATED: Minnesota leaders respond to train derailment that caused evacuation in Raymond
Governor Tim Waltz visited the site Thursday morning and spoke at a news conference with BNSF leaders and local government officials at the church. said that it already works for the site. He also said the state is in communication with federal officials. He spoke with US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
BNSF’s vice president of operations Matt Garland said the company’s experts believe the area is safe, but it is expected to take at least several days to clear the crash site. Farmer also spoke and stated that BNSF was responsible for the derailment.
“I apologize for this, take full responsibility for it, and stay here until this is cleared up,” Farmer said. I believe that 99.99% of the goods have been delivered to their destinations without incident … So we are very safe and very effective movement of all goods as well as dangerous goods.”
Residents affected by the derailment are asked to call BNSF at 866-243-4784 for assistance.
The Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office said the detour around the site remains intact as local responders and BNSF officials continue to work to mitigate the incident. The timing of the resumption of the main line and the cause of the derailment have not yet been clarified and are under investigation.
Initial reports from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety said eight vehicles were directly involved in the derailment, four containing corn syrup and four containing ethanol. The department added that there is no request for a hazardous materials team at this time, but the state fire department has dispatched firefighting experts to extinguish the blaze.
of The National Transportation Safety Board says The team investigating the derailment is expected to arrive at the scene Thursday afternoon.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency tweeted that the crew was also responding to the incident.
Baker shared the following written statement after the derailment:
“First of all, I am grateful that no one was injured or killed in this dire situation.. We all thank the first responders who responded quickly to evacuate the area and ensured the safe movement of residents. I would also like to thank the generous residents of Princeburg and the Central Minnesota Christian School for providing a home for those displaced. We will continue to stay in touch with city, county, state and federal officials to ensure our communities get the support they need. “
Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minnesota District 7) also issued a written statement.
“Thanks to the quick work of first responders helping the Raymond community, the fire is said to be under control and no one was injured. We will support you.”
State Senator Andrew Lang (R-Olivia) released a statement that can be read below.
“I would like to thank the first responders who responded quickly to the situation and acted quickly to ensure the safety and responsibility of everyone inside and outside the Raymond community. I have to recognize and thank the surrounding communities and local organizations that have taken immediate action to ensure that I will be there today and will be happy to provide any assistance needed.”
This is a developing story and updates will continue to be provided on-air and online as more information becomes available.
Click the video link above for coverage of the team.
[ad_2]
Source link
