A train carrying toxic chemicals has derailed in rural Maine, according to reports.
Officials say they believe hazardous materials were on board the freight train and locals have been warned to “stay clear” of the area.
“Train derailment with fire north of rockwood, hazzard materials please stay clear!” The Rockwood, Maine Fire & Rescue posted on Facebook.
The Fire & Rescue team posted a photo of the incident along with the alert.
The image shows a derailed train and a fire burning in a snow-covered forest area.
It is unclear if anyone was injured during the derailment.
Rockwood, Maine, is located on the western side of Moosehead Lake.
The area is in the northern part of the state, roughly 45 miles from the Canadian border.
The railroad tracks in that area of Maine are owned by the Canadian Pacific Railway, Fox 23 Maine reported.
A spokesperson for Canadian Pacific Kansas City Limited told CBS News that none of the hazardous materials have caught fire.
However, reports are emerging that the chemicals could contaminate a nearby water source.
BREAKING: Train derailment reported in Rockwood, Maine; hazardous materials believed to have been onboard and are at danger of entering a nearby fresh-water source pic.twitter.com/Pgx7Le1qIp
— Intel Point Alert (@IntelPointAlert) April 15, 2023
“A total of three locomotive engines and six rail cars carrying lumber and electrical wiring derailed into a wooded area, where they caught fire and started a small forest fire,” the Maine Forest Service posted on Facebook.
“The fires are contained and are being monitored.”
The statement added, “Additional rail cars transporting hazardous materials did not derail.
“The assessment of officials on the scene is that these hazardous materials are not at risk of leaking and are not at risk of catching fire.”
The Maine Forest Service explained that it does not believe the public is at risk at this time and the derailment may have been caused by “a build-up of melting ice and debris that washed out part of the railroad track.”
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