Minnesota Gov Walz says train containing hazardous materials derailed

A Canadian Pacific train carrying hazardous materials derailed near Lancaster, Minnesota, Wednesday afternoon, Gov. Tim Walz confirmed on Twitter. 

“State officials are working with local emergency managers after a train derailed near Lancaster. Glad to hear that no injuries are reported and the site is contained,” Walz wrote.

He added: “Experts are on the way to survey the site and make sure the community has everything they need.”

According to WCCO, the train contained 24 freight cars, including some with hazardous materials. None have leaked, per the report. 

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It happened about 10 miles from the U.S. border with Canada.

The derailment comes a day after another CPKC freight train, also carrying hazardous materials, fell off the tracks near Balfour, North Dakota. 

Six freight cars and a locomotive derailed in McHenry County at approximately 5:15 p.m. Tuesday, KMOT-TV reported.

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According to the report, three of the freight cars contained hazardous materials but nothing leaked. The derailment site was cleared and reopened to train traffic by Wednesday morning. 

There were no reported injuries from the incident.

The derailment comes amid heightened attention to train derailments after 38 cars of a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3, 2023. Some of the cars were carrying hazardous materials, which leaked into the nearby waterways, causing major damage to residents, fish, and other wildlife in the community. 

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Half of the town’s 5,000 residents were evacuated.

Recovery work is shown at the scene of a train derailment outside New Castle, Pa., on…