spokesman

Crude Oil Leaking After Freight Train Derails in Plainfield: Authorities

Patrick Waldron, a spokesman for the rail agency, said the company had activated its emergency crew response who are evaluating the situation

A freight train carrying 40,000 gallons of crude oil derailed in the southwest suburbs of Illinois Friday evening, according to authorities.

Three of the tanks were leaking after the train derailed in Plainfield shortly after 6:30 p.m. near 143rd Street east of Van Dyke Road, according to the Plainfield Police Department and a Canadian National Railway spokesman. Twenty-five cars detailed, authorities said.

Patrick Waldron, a spokesman for the rail agency, said the company had activated its emergency hazmat and environmental response teams to evaluate the situation.

He said the line the derailment occurred on is a freight line with no passenger trains traveling on it.

The dark liquid could be seen from helicopter footage of the scene seeping into the surrounding greenery.

There were no reported injuries or fire.

Police warned residents to avoid the area until further notice.

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