Train derailment forces evacuations

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

SHEPHERDSVILLE, Ky. -- Several train cars carrying volatile chemicals derailed and exploded Tuesday south of Louisville, shutting down a nearby highway and forcing evacuations of homes, businesses and a school, authorities said. There were no immediate reports of injuries from the wreck that occurred about 7:45 a.m., but the fumes caused several people to seek treatment at a local hospital, authorities said. The blaze produced a massive column of black smoke in the mostly rural area. Television footage showed several blazing cars stacked across the rail lines and flaming liquid flowing down ditches from the mangled tanker cars.

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