Freight train derails in Chicago suburbs, triggering evacuations over suspected leak

A freight train derailed Thursday in a Chicago suburb, briefly prompting the evacuation of nearby homes and businesses.

The train derailed at 217th Street and Main Avenue in Matteson, NBC Chicago reported. A mandatory evacuation was underway due to a suspected leak from the derailed cars.

The evacuation affected people and businesses within a quarter-mile radius east, 1 mile west and 1 mile south of the site, according to the news station. The evacuation in the area was lifted Thursday afternoon.

Canadian National Railway Company said in a statement that the derailment involved about 25 cars “carrying various substances.” No fires or injuries were reported, a spokesperson said.

A car containing liquefied petroleum gas residue leaked a limited amount of gas, the spokesperson said, adding that the situation has since been brought under control.

“There is no danger to public safety,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement. “A precautionary evacuation was ordered but has since been lifted, with the exception of properties immediately adjacent to the site.”

The cause of the derailment is under investigation.

Matteson police said additional information will be released later Thursday.

Matteson is a village in Cook County, Illinois, approximately 30 miles south of downtown Chicago.