Callaway, MN Under Evacuation After Train Derailment

All eyes are on Callaway, Minnesota, where a train derailed after hitting a propane tanker vehicle.

That’s burning, and another nearby propane tank, belonging to the grain elevator, could go up with it.

Just outside the potential blast zone, fire crews refuel and head back into the fray – trying to keep danger from turning into disaster.

“Well I was cutting hair in town and one of my customers said hurry up and finish, there’s something going on here in town.”

Carol is one of about 200 Callaway people startled around one on Thursday afternoon by the crash.

When the order to evacuate came in, she almost got left behind.

“I was waiting for my son, and he called and said I can’t come in, they won’t let me come in and get you.”

“Red Cross, Salvation Army. Everyone coming together, trying to help first responders and of course the people affected by this.”

“You can see all the paramedics lined up here in full force, ready for any potential threat. And of course they won’t let us into town yet, but officials say that’s in addition to about 15 fire departments deployed as well.”

“It’s very close to the grain elevator. It’s very scary.”

And as rescue crews struggle to balance their safety with saving property,

“Anytime you have a vehicle tangle with a train it’s not going to end well.”

Folks like Carol wonder what’ll be left standing, when it’s all finally over.

The church to which Callaway residents have been evacuated is holding a special prayer service tonight for evacuees.

Highway 59 remains closed.