A Union Pacific train carrying dangerous goods derailed and then caught fire in Sibli, Iowa, evacuating dozens of people, although no injuries or deaths were reported.
According to Union Pacific, the crash involving 47 railway cars occurred in the afternoon in Sibli, adding that the cause of the incident is being investigated.
Within an hour, local authorities sent evacuation notices to people. According to ABC News, as a precautionary measure, an area with a radius of about 5 miles around the crash site was evacuated.
“There were no injuries to the crew,” Union Pacific said in an e-mail, adding that Union Pacific was working with operatives at the scene.
“About 80 people were evacuated,” the Iowa Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management said in an email.
Ken Hals, chief of the Sibli Fire Department, said the train was carrying fertilizer and ammonia, according to KIWA radio.