A train carrying crude oil has derailed and crashed in downtown Lynchburg, Va. leading to evacuations in the immediate downtown area seen billowing with smoke and fire.
At this time the city says no injuries have been reported from the explosive crash around 2 p.m. EST near The Depot Grille.
Lynchburg police and fire personnel are actively at the scene. They are advising residents to stay out of the downtown area.
While little is known, the city reports that of 13 or 14 tanker cars involved in the CSX train’s crash, three or four tanker cars breached.
“The cause of the derailment has not been determined at this time,” the city said in a statement. “CSX officials are working to remove the portion of the train that is blocking workers from leaving Griffin Pipe Foundry located in the lower basin.”
In dramatic video and photos uploaded by witnesses online, billowing smoke and fire is seen filling the sky and apparently even bleeding into some surrounding water.
Wednesday’s crash coincidentally comes the same day Governor Cuomo sent a letter to the White House urging immediate federal action to protect New York from similar crude oil transportation disasters.