A CSX freight train derailed in Blue Island shortly before 9:30 p.m. Wednesday night.
The transportation company said in a statement there were no injuries as a result of the derailment, which it said occurred at Thornton Road and 136th Street. Both CSX and the Blue Island police department said no hazardous materials had been spilled.
“Safety is our top priority as we work to clear the crossings impacted by the incident and fully restore the area. The cause of the incident is under investigation,” CSX said.
Blue Island police said in a statement posted on the department’s Facebook page that about 15 train cars derailed, including one possible tanker. CSX said 13 cars derailed and that the tanker car was empty. Blue Island police did not immediately respond to a request for comment Thursday.
WLS-TV reported that several vehicles parked near the tracks were crushed. Recent derailments across the U.S. have raised concern about rail safety.
In February, a Norfolk Southern train carrying chemicals including vinyl chloride, a toxic flammable gas, derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. The fiery derailment led to evacuations and residents reported feeling sick and the deaths of local wildlife.
This is a developing story.
The Associated Press contributed.
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