MARYVILLE (WATE) – As many as 5,000 Blount County, Tennessee, residents were forced to evacuate their homes Thursday night after a train carrying flammable and poisonous material derailed and caught fire.
According to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, a CSX train carrying liquid petroleum, a highly flammable and toxic gas, derailed at Mt. Tabor Road at Old Mt. Tabor Road around midnight.
Homes in the area were evacuated. Around 100 people relocated to a nearby mall until they are able to go home. The Red Cross also set up a shelter at a local high school.
Local officials say people may have to stay out of the area for up to 48 hours.
The Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Maryville Police the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency are on the scene.
Seven law enforcement officers have been treated for overexposure to the toxic fumes.
