3:30 p.m.: News updates indicate that three or four cars were involved in the derailment. The cars reportedly contained crude oil, and the flames have since abated. There were no initial reports of injuries. Video from the scene earlier showed flames spreading on the James River.
In December 2014, an oil train derailment in North Dakota caused a massive fire, while a crude oil derailment in Lac Megantic, Quebec, last July killed 47 people.
Original Story: A train derailed and caused a huge fire today in Lynchburg, Virginia. Authorities evacuated some areas and ordered some residents to shelter in place. Video showed massive flames shooting up into the air and black smoke cover the area.
It was initially unclear what was inside the cars, and whether the contents may have spilled into the river.
