A Union Pacific train forced evacuations of residences and schools in Dupo, Illinois, after it derailed and ignited into a fireball that could be observed miles away.
“I was just standing out here working and seen a giant fireball out of the corner of my eye and I looked over and saw smoke billowing and then it started spreading down the tracks about five minutes after that,” Patrick Wilson, a witness to the accident, told KMOV4 Tuesday.
#developing Dupo schools evacuated and transported to Columbia HS. @FOX2now @KPLR11 pic.twitter.com/XpNeyr7cqX
— Michelle Madaras (@MadarasFox2) September 10, 2019
Union Pacific released a statement saying the train contained a “flammable liquid” that caused the massive fireball.
“Around 12:45 p.m., a derailment occurred in Union Pacific’s Dupo Yard near Carondelet Avenue between Main and Adams Road. Both crossings are closed. The train was being built for departure at the time of the derailment, which caused a tank car to catch fire. Initial information from the scene indicates that the tank car contains a flammable liquid called methyl isobutyl ketone. It is typically used as a solvent.”
“Union Pacific is working with area first responders to put out the fire. Our yard and nearby intermodal ramp were safely evacuated. At this time, no injuries have been reported,” the statement said.
Firefighters are working to contain the fire during a 90-degree day in Dupo. No injuries have been reported.
