2 killed after trains crash, burn northwest of Detroit

SPRINGFELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) -- Two people were killed and two others trapped in a fiery crash between two freight trains that resulted in a chemical leak, authorities said.

The crash occurred at 6:15 a.m. in this community about 25 miles northwest of Detroit, said Sheriff's Sgt. Roy Coates. Authorities did not know what caused the crash.

People living within half a mile of the crash site were evacuated because of the risk from chemicals on the trains.

It was not immediately known what chemical had been spilled, but Coates said the evacuation could be expanded.

Firefighters were trying to reach the scene on foot, Coates said.

Some nearby schools were closing Thursday while authorities checked what was on the trains, Coates said.