Freight train hits garbage truck, derails and then explodes
Officials are explaining that a chemical train hit a garbage truck in Rosedale, Maryland. The blast damaged some industrial buildings, and a 20-block area was evacuated yet only four people were hurt.
The train derailed after impact which triggered an explosion that rocked a 1-mile radius, “rattling homes” and damaging nearby buildings in that Baltimore area.
The truck driver was hospitalized in serious but stable condition at the shock-trauma center of the University of Maryland, authorities said. Three other people were in stable condition with unspecified injuries at MedStar Franklin Square Medical Center, WJZ-TV reported.
An engineer and conductor were aboard the two-locomotive, 45-car train, which was traveling from Selkirk, N.Y., to Waycross, Ga., CSX said. They were not seriously injured.
Fire officials said 15 cars derailed just after 2 p.m. Two cars caught fire and exploded several minutes later, said workers who had evacuated.
Authorities reported initially that several buildings had collapsed, but Baltimore County Fire Chief John Hohman said later that none had. Two warehouses were extensively damaged and other businesses also suffered damage.
CSX said earlier that one car was carrying non-toxic sodium chlorate, a hazardous material that is commonly used to bleach paper and as an herbicide.
Residents of about 60 nearby homes were advised to remain indoors or shelter temporarily at the Rosedale Volunteer Fire Company as firefighters began using water and foam to extinguish the blaze
Photo: NBC video coverage – http://www.nbcwashington.com/
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