Why did the Rockford, Illinois train derailment on Friday cause evacuations?
Train derailment causes fire and evacuations in U.S. Illinois state CHICAGO, June 19 (Xinhua) — A freight train derailed Friday night in the U.S. state of Illinois, causing a large fire and evacuations, local media reported. The train derailed at about 8:30 p.m. local time (0100 GMT Saturday) at Sandy Hollow in Winnebago County, about 140 kilometers northwest of Chicago. The derailment took place possibly because heavy rains had washed out the tracks, local officials said. The Winnebago County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the derailment but did not give any details. According to eyewitnesses, a number of cars caught fire and residents of the area near Sandy Hollow were evacuated from their homes. At least two people were taken to local hospitals. Sources: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-06/20/content_11571980.
One dead in fiery Rockford train derailment Authorities say one person is dead from a freight train derailment on the edge of Rockford. Winnebago County Coroner Sue Fiduccia said early Saturday that the one confirmed fatality was that of a female who had been in a car that was halted at a crossing when the derailment occurred Friday night. Rockford Fire Chief Derek Bengsten said several occupants of the car were severely burned when several ethanol-filled tank cars exploded after the derailment of the Canadian National freight train. Fiduccia said she could not release the victim’s name or give a cause of death. Officials evacuated residents within a half mile from the derailment, but did not have an estimate on how many people were being told to leave their homes. There are subdivisions in the area. The 114-car train included 74 tankers carrying ethanol, 12 of which were involved with the fire, said Kirk Wilson, a fire chief of nearby Rockton, at the scene. “It’s very dangerous, it’s
