ALLENTON, Wis. — According to a wire service, a freight train derailed Monday and at least three cars carrying lumber, waxes and plastics caught fire, officials said.
One of the 34 cars that derailed was carrying potash, a moderately hazardous chemical, said Allenton Assistant Fire Chief Ron Naab. Crews kept the chemical from spilling into a nearby creek, he said.
No injuries were reported; only they conductor and engineer were aboard the train.
The 107-car Canadian National freight derailed in rural Washington County in eastern Wisconsin, about 40 miles northwest of Milwaukee and at least a half mile from any homes. It wasn’t immediately clear what caused the accident.
“They are having a hard time getting up to evaluate what happened because of the fire that is going on,” Sgt. Jill Raffay said.
The northbound train had departed from Chicago and was headed to Winnipeg.