Evacuations are underway after a train derailment resulted in a fire in Illinois today.
The train derailment was first reported around 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, September 10, in Dupo, Illinois after a Union Pacific train derailed in the 300 block of Main Street and caught fire.
At least 16 train cars are believed to have derailed.
Several nearby homes and a school have been evacuated.
Union Pacific issued a statement explaining the circumstances surrounding the derailment:
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.
Fire crews remained on the scene battling the blaze as of 2:30 p.m. The heavy smoke is reportedly visible in St. Louis, which is about 15 minutes away from Dupo.
This is a developing story.