Derailed train bursts into flames in Lynchburg, Virginia
- 10 years ago
A U.S. freight train carrying crude oil derailed and burst into flames close to the city centre of Lynchburg in Virginia state.
Three tanker cars carrying oil fell down an embankment and more than a dozen tanker cars were involved in the collision.
Hundreds of people have been evacuated from buildings in the city, but no injuries have been reported.
Oil has been spilling into the James river, which flows into Chesapeake Bay.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) LYNCHBURG RESIDENT, SAYING:
"We've heard this noise, we looked out of the window where we were at Shoemakers restaurant and [SPEAKING OVER SHOT OF CRASH SITE] we saw a giant fire ball, the trains were burning and we had to evacuate the building."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) LYNCHBURG RESIDENT, SAYING:
"As the flames grew, I stood and watched it a little bit, I took a couple of pictures, and then realized this is probably a dangerous situation, especially there were so many tank cars, and then I watched as w
Three tanker cars carrying oil fell down an embankment and more than a dozen tanker cars were involved in the collision.
Hundreds of people have been evacuated from buildings in the city, but no injuries have been reported.
Oil has been spilling into the James river, which flows into Chesapeake Bay.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) LYNCHBURG RESIDENT, SAYING:
"We've heard this noise, we looked out of the window where we were at Shoemakers restaurant and [SPEAKING OVER SHOT OF CRASH SITE] we saw a giant fire ball, the trains were burning and we had to evacuate the building."
(SOUNDBITE) (English) LYNCHBURG RESIDENT, SAYING:
"As the flames grew, I stood and watched it a little bit, I took a couple of pictures, and then realized this is probably a dangerous situation, especially there were so many tank cars, and then I watched as w