Evacuation order lifted after Minnesota train derailment

NEAR RAYMOND, Minn. (Valley News Live) - People in Raymond, Minnesota were cleared to return to their homes just before noon following a train derailment early Thursday morning on the western edge of the city.

Authorities say a BNSF train derailed around 1:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 30. Raymond is a small town in southwest Kandiyohi county, just southwest of Willmar.

According to BNSF, the train that derailed had about 22 cars. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety said eight cars were “directly involved” in the derailment: four carrying corn syrup and four containing ethanol.

The cars carrying ethanol caught fire, but no injuries have been reported. People living within a half mile of the derailment site were told to leave their homes, with some spending the night in a nearby school.

Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg is commenting on the situation unfolding in Minnesota, his tweet is below.

FRA is on the ground after a BNSF train carrying ethanol derailed early this morning, leading to an evacuation in the area of Raymond, MN. At present no injuries or fatalities have been reported. We are tracking closely as more details emerge and will be involved in investigaton.
— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) March 30, 2023

Officials say the main track is blocked with no timetable of when it may reopen. Roads around the area are closed as officials work to contain the situation.

The Environmental Protection Agency said in a statement that crews were on the scene to monitor the air quality at and around the site. The sheriff’s office added that there is no impact to the groundwater in the area as a result of the accident.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz visited the site on with state emergency management leadership.

BNSF officials said residents and businesses impacted by the incident should call 866-243-4784 for assistance.

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