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Thousands evacuated after train carrying toxic, flammable gas catches fire in TN

MARYVILLE, Tenn. (WATE) – As many as 5,000 Blount County, Tennessee residents evacuated their homes late Wednesday night after a freight train carrying flammable and poisonous material derailed and caught on fire.

According to the Blount County Sheriff’s Office, a CSX train carrying acrylonitrile, a liquid petroleum, derailed at Mt. Tabor Road at Old Mt. Tabor Road around midnight.

Acrylonitrile, also used in plastic, is an flammable and poisonous gas.

Homes within a two to three mile radius of the area were evacuated. Hundreds of people relocated to the Foothills Mall until they are able to go home. The Red Cross also set up shelter at Heritage High School for residents.

Officials told WISH-TV’s sister station WATE 6 a shelter will be open at 233 Curry Avenue for displaced pets. Evacuations could last between 24 and 48 hours, according to deputies.

Seven law enforcement officers from the Blount County Sheriff’s Office and surrounding were treated due exposure to the fumes.

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office, Maryville Police, TEMA and emergency management were on scene.

CSX representative Lee Miller apologized to residents in a meeting at Heritage High School. He said environment and hazmat crews are on site “working diligently” to get the situation taken care of. He estimates residents will be able to come home Friday morning.

Personal hygiene items, baby wipes and food will be provided by CSX, according to Miller.

CSX is offering reimbursement for families. Lee said for residents to keep receipts and bring ID to verify address to make sure it’s within evacuation radius.

Miller did not answer questions about timeline, chemical danger or contamination radius.

If residents have questions, they can call 877-TELL-CSX.

The Blount County Sheriff’s Office warned residents south of Robert C. Jackson Drive to Friendsville refrain from drinking well water.

Residents in the area were asked to call 865-273-3406 if they have any questions.

For an updated list of business and school closings, click here.

Road closures, as of Thursday morning:

– Mt. Tabor Road at Old Mt. Tabor Road

– U.S. Highway 321 at William Blount Drive, going to Maryville.

– Foothills Mall Drive

– Middlesettlements Road and Louisville Road both closed to incoming traffic