Train derailment causes fireball in downtown Lynchburg, Va.
Apr 30, 2014, 7:04 PM | Updated: 7:25 pm
PHOENIX — A massive fireball shot above the skyline of Lynchburg, Va. Wednesday after a train derailed.
Photos on Twitter showed a massive fire burning shortly after the train left the tracks. According to WSET-TV, the burning cars were carrying crude oil.
WSLS-TV reported 12 to 14 cars derailed.
A Twitter feed said a substance from the tankers had flowed into the James River and was burning on the surface.
About 300 people were told to evacuate after the crash. Streets in the area were closed.
Firefighters had the situation under control about 45 minutes after the derailment.
It is unknown what caused the train to jump off the tracks. No injuries have been reported.
