CSX rail cars derail, catch fire in Pennsylvania

CSX is working closely with first responders to manage rail cars that derailed and caught fire yesterday morning in Hyndman, Pennsylvania.

The derailment involved at least 32 cars, some of which contained hazardous materials, CSX officials said in a press release. At least one car that contained liquified petroleum gas and at least one car that contained molten sulphur leaked and caught fire.

CSX hazardous materials specialists assessed the damage and confirmed that several cars were still on fire as of late yesterday afternoon. Although there were no reports of injuries, the Hyndman Fire Department issued an evacuation order within a mile of the site.

The train involved was traveling from Chicago to Selkirk, New York, and consisted of five locomotives and 178 rail cars total. Of those, 128 cars were carrying mixed freight, including the materials involved in the incident and construction materials, paper and wood pulp. Fifty empty rail cars were on the train.

The Class I opened two community outreach centers to provide resources and answer local residents' questions.

National Transportation Safety Board investigators arrived at the derailment site yesterday, with more expected to arrive today and tomorrow.