City Of Heimdal Evacuated After Train Derailment

A town of about 35 people in central North Dakota has been evacuated after an oil train derailed.

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A town of about 35 people in central North Dakota has been evacuated after an oil train derailed and caught fire.

Officials say no injuries have been reported from the accident near Heimdal, which is about 115 miles northeast of Bismarck.

State Emergency Services spokeswoman Cecily Fong says 10 tanker cars are on fire, creating thick black smoke.

There’s no immediate word on the cause.

A team of investigators from the Federal Railroad Administration are expected to arrive this afternoon.

Acting Federal Railroad Administrator Sarah Feinberg has issued a statement on the train derailment and fire:

“A crude oil train has derailed near Heimdal, North Dakota this morning, resulting in a large fire involving several tank cars. The town of Heimdal is being evacuated. The FRA has deployed a ten person investigation team to the site and will be conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the accident.  Today’s incident is yet another reminder of why we issued a significant, comprehensive rule aimed at improving the safe transport of high hazard flammable liquids. The FRA will continue to look at all options available to us to improve safety and mitigate risks.”