Minnesota Town Evacuated for 14 Hours as Fire Engulfs US Train Carrying Ethanol After Derailment

On Thursday, a train carrying ethanol and corn syrup derailed and caught fire in a Minnesota town. The accident led to the evacuation of hundreds of residents within half a mile of the crash site. The train was carrying 22 coaches, including around 10 filled with ethanol. Four ethanol coaches ruptured, causing the fire which continued to burn for over 14 hours after the accident. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and authorities were hopeful that the quick response and cold weather would limit the impact of the crash. The track remained blocked, and officials advised residents not to travel to Raymond. Train derailments are common in the United States, with over 1,164 such accidents in 2022, according to the Federal Railroad Administration.