Freight train derails near Chicago

Published 16 January 2009

Seventeen cars are derailed near a suburb west of Chicago; two of the cars contained molten sulfur, and authorities treat the accident as hazmat event

Another example of the risks attending the transportation of hazardous materials: A freight train derailed this morning near Buffalo Grove, Illinois. Buffalo Grove is a suburb west of Chicago. Seventeen cars derailed, according to Canadian National Railways (CNR). Two of those cars contained a molten sulfur that is leaking, which is lengthening the clearing process. Authorities are calling this a hazmat situation. CNR says the material in the two cars is not technically hazardous but is stored at an extremely high temperature, causing concern. A Buffalo Grove officer estimates the cleanup will take five-and-a-half to six hours.

Michael Gillis from Metra says the line is completely blocked and the line is not running in either direction. He says the blockage will affect about 5,000 commuters. Gillis said commuters can use the Milwaukee District North line. “We’re just advising them to find alternative means until the situation is resolved,” he said.

Buffalo Grove police say right now no evacuations are taking place in the area. “Currently, the only roadway that’s blocked is Deerfield Parkway near Commerce in Buffalo Grove. We have been able to open up the other locations that are near the incident, which would be Route 22, (that) is open. Buffalo Grove Road at Main Street is open. Again, as the incident moves forward and they have to get more equipment in, that will kind of be a fluid situation as far as whether those will remain open for any period of time,” said Sgt. Scott Kristinansen, Buffalo Grove Police. Officials say there were no injuries.