Train Derailment and Fire Prompts Evacuation Order in East Palestine, Ohio

On Friday night, a train derailment and resulting large fire prompted an evacuation order in East Palestine, Ohio, a village near the Pennsylvania state line. The area was covered in billows of smoke lit orange by the flames below.

Firefighters have been pulled from the immediate area and unmanned stream devices are being used protectively while crews try to determine which cars are still actively burning, village officials said in a statement Saturday. The train was carrying a variety of freight from Madison, Illinois, to Conway, Pennsylvania, according to rail operator Norfolk Southern.

Local officials notified residents that an evacuation order remained in place Saturday morning for people within a mile of the scene. A high school and community center were opened to shelter dozens of people, while residents beyond that radius were urged to stay inside.

At this time, there is no information available about what caused the derailment. The investigation is ongoing. Officials have urged residents to remain vigilant and follow all safety protocols.