MARCH 7, 2015
GALENA,ILLINOIS (AP)
BNSF Railway now says a total of 21 cars derailed in an accident involving an oil train in western Illinois, and that a resulting fire continues to burn.
No injuries have been reported from the Thursday derailment, which occurred in a rural area south of the city of Galena.
In an update Friday morning, the company said a total of 21 cars left the tracks. A company spokesman initially said six cars had derailed.
The company also says a resulting fire is believed to have spread to five rail cars and continues to burn. The company says emergency personnel are trying to contain the fire, and that BNSF is taking steps to protect nearby waterways.
The accident occurred in a wooded area where the Galena River meets the Mississippi.