A freight train derailed in Matteson, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, on Thursday, prompting some residents within a mile of the crash to evacuate their homes.
FOX 32 in Chicago reported that a Canadian National Railway (CNP) train derailed near the 21000 block of Main Street at about 10:45 a.m., according to local officials.
As a result, homes nearby were evacuated because of a hazmat situation, as officials were looking at a leaking train car, according to ABC 7 Chicago.
TRAIN DERAILS IN PENNSYLVANIA, SENDS SEVERAL CARS INTO LEHIGH RIVER
Residents within a mile south of Main Street and 217th Street were given a mandatory evacuation order, as were areas a mile west of Main Street and a quarter of a mile east of Main Street.
Those ordered to evacuate were advised to prepare for a “long-term evacuation” and to take their medications or supplies before leaving their home.
16 FREIGHT CARS DERAIL IN RURAL NEVADA; NO HAZARDOUS SPILLS OR INJURIES REPORTED
Representatives from the Canadian National Railway are heading to the scene to lead the investigation and no injuries have been reported.
According to a CNP official, roughly 20 freight cars carrying various substances derailed, though it is unclear what caused the train to leave the tracks.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
