Casselton, North Dakota - After initially reporting that up to 300 residents in this town of 2,400 people evacuate following the explosion of an oil carrying freight train, the county police are now urging everyone to evacuate. The train belongs to the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corporation (BNSF) Railway Co. the nation's second largest freight carrier, and it has been burning since exploding Monday afternoon.

Now, upcoming weather changes threaten to take the dark plume stemming from the fire over the nearby town. Authorities believe this poses a health risk to residents hence the evacuation call. BNSF believes that ten freight train cars are burning in the fire. As best can be determined at this point, BNSF believes that train carrying grain derailed ahead of the oil carrying train and caused the explosion. As per BNSF, the oil freight train literally "tripped" over the grain train. In all, 100 train cars were involved in the wreck. Thus far, only 20 remain to be removed.

A nearby resident by the name of Ryan Toop recalled hearing the thunderous sound of the explosion followed by an eerie warmth in what should be teeth-chattering cold air. He said that a person could warm their hands by simply sticking them out the window.

On The Web:
Entire Town Now Urged to Evacuate Following Explosion of Oil Carrying Train
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/latest-news/us-town-evacuated-after-train-derails/story-fn3dxix6-1226792569816