A freight train derailed in the US state of West Virginia yesterday, sparking a major blaze, spilling oil into a river and forcing the evacuation of a town.
A huge orange fireball rose high into the sky above snow covered rooftops after the accident near the towns of Mount Carbon and Deep Water, according to local media footage.
Governor Earl Ray Tomblin declared a state of emergency for Kanawha and Fayette counties, so the affected areas can "have the access they need to resources necessary to handle all stages of the emergency."
The 109-car CSX freight train traveling from Nebraska to Virginia state was carrying crude oil, some of which spilled into the Kanawha River, Mr Tomblin said.
No injuries were immediately reported.
Local CBS television affiliate WOWK said authorities had ordered the evacuation of the Powelltown Hollow area.
