ELLENDALE, Minn., Nov. 11 (UPI) -- Emergency officials said they evacuated the entire town of Ellendale, Minn., Friday after a Union Pacific train carrying hazardous materials derailed.
No injuries have been reported due to the derailment.
Steele County Emergency Management Director Mike Johnson told MPR News two of the derailed cars caused concern because one carrying propane has a tear, while another intact car contains butane.
At least seven cars of the 146-car train overturned about a half mile south of the small town around 5:45 a.m. Officials evacuated a 1 mile radius around the site of the crash, and restricted air space in a 2-mile radius. The elementary school in Ellendale has been closed, and a section of Minnesota Highway 30 was shut down.
Officials suggested evacuees gather at a local church.
"We're working closely with our partners, including Geneva United Methodist Church in Ellendale, to support those displaced from the derailment and those responding to help," Melanie Tschida, executive director for the American Red Cross serving Southeast Minnesota, told KAAL-TV.
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