Train derails north of Warroad, nearby homes evacuate
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The Roseau County Sheriff’s Office said a train derailment between the northern Minnesota town of Warroad and the Canadian border is under control and that there is no threat to the public.
Canadian National Railways spokesperson Ashley Michnowski said in a statement there were no reported leaks, injuries or fires.
The sheriff’s office said 42 cars derailed and two of them are classified as “dangerous goods cars.”
Authorities evacuated a stretch of Highway 313 on Saturday morning after the derailment.
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Warroad fire chief Damien McMillin said in an interview with local radio station KQ92 emergency services were treating the area with extra caution.
“We’re playing it safe, we’re going to do everything that we can to ensure the safety of everybody around the area,” he said.
The sheriff’s office said in a Facebook post the evacuation zone is a mile-and-a-half on both sides of Highway 313 from the Warroad port of entry to six miles south. The Patch Motel is open to people in the evacuation zone.
The sheriff’s office said the evacuation was a precaution.
The sheriff’s office also said state hazardous materials teams are on scene to monitor air quality and to check for leakage on derailed railcars. The National Weather Service is also assisting with air monitoring activities.
Canadian National Railway is investigating the cause of the derailment and will provide updates as they become available. The cleanup could take two to three days.
