Train Carrying Crude Near NE Iowa Derails, on Fire

GALENA, Ill. (AP) — A freight train loaded with crude oil derailed in northern Illinois, bursting into flames and prompting authorities to evacuate everyone within 1 mile.

Galena Assistant Fire Chief Bob Conley said eight cars of the BNSF train derailed around 1:20 p.m. Thursday where the Galena River meets the Mississippi. Authorities said the evacuation didn't affect many people. The derailment happened in a rural area about 3 miles from Galena.

The train had 103 cars loaded with crude oil, along with two buffer cars loaded with sand. Firefighters could only access the derailment site by a bike path.