CN train derailment in Wisconsin forces people to move to safer sites

[July 21, 2014]  (Reuters) - A Canadian National Railway train derailed in Wisconsin on Sunday night, spurring local residents to move to safer locations, according to the railway and media reports.

Three locomotives and several railcars derailed in Slinger, Wisconsin, just after 8.30 p.m. Central Daylight Time, said Patrick Waldron, a railway spokesman.

The extent of injuries suffered by two crew members on board the train was unknown, he added.

Emergency response teams, along with CN crew, were on the scene of the derailment near Highway 144, said Waldron, who had no information on the train's cargo or the likely cause of the derailment.

But media reports said authorities had closed off an area near the derailment and asked residents to leave the scene until they could determine what cargo the train carried, and any possible danger.

Video streaming from the derailment scene showed firefighters and hazardous materials crews among the responders.

(Reporting by Chris Michaud; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

[© 2014 Thomson Reuters. All rights reserved.]

Copyright 2014 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.