EAST CARONDELET, Ill. – First responders are at the scene of a train derailment in the 4400 block of Carondelet Avenue near Dupo, Illinois. Video from Bommarito Automotive SkyFOX helicopter showed a train collision with a fire at the scene of the crash. There were also flames spreading on top of the water in a nearby creek.
The fire has been extinguished. Evacuation orders given during the fire are now over.
This is a statement from Union Pacific:
“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 black smoke coming from the crash scene can be seen for miles. St. Clair County Emergency Management says that there were evacuations in the area.
Vertex Chemical Corporation is located near the scene of the crash. Firefighters worked hard to stop the spread of the fire to that business.
Firefighters were trying to keep this fire under control during 90-degree temperatures. They are working to keep firefighters from experiencing heat exhaustion.
Here are the latest social media posts about this story:
#developing Dupo schools evacuated and transported to Columbia HS. @FOX2now @KPLR11 pic.twitter.com/XpNeyr7cqX
— Michelle Madaras (@MadarasFox2) September 10, 2019
Source with a fire department tells me the derailed trains were carry ethanol. @FOX2now @KPLR11 #developing pic.twitter.com/8jL9XGs2UO
— Michelle Madaras (@MadarasFox2) September 10, 2019
Two separate smoke trails pic.twitter.com/kri0Uf3qtp
— Michelle Madaras (@MadarasFox2) September 10, 2019