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Minnesota town evacuated as train transporting ethanol derails, catches fire

The train, which was carrying ethanol and corn syrup igniting a fire, has not caused any injuries so far, according to local reports

Photo of BNSF Railway locomotive. BNSF is a railroad subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway with 32,500 miles of train track
Photo of BNSF Railway locomotive. BNSF is a railroad subsidiary of Berkshire Hathaway with 32,500 miles of train track | Shutterstock

March 30, 2023 10:06am

Updated: March 30, 2023 10:09am

An estimated 22 train cars derailed at 1:00 a.m. local time near the town of Raymond in Minnesota, according to BNSF Railway.

The train, which was carrying ethanol and corn syrup igniting a fire, has not caused any injuries so far, according to local reports.

Authorities evacuated parts of the closest Minnesota town of Raymond with the sheriff's office advising non-residents not to travel to the area because of the blaze. 

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Thursday morning his federal agency is monitoring the situation. 

“We are tracking closely as more details emerge and will be involved in investigation,” he wrote on Twitter.

The latest derailment follows a tragic train crash in February near East Palestine, Ohio which resulted in the release of toxic chemicals into the air and many local residents reporting injuries and sickness