A freight train derailment early Thursday morning in Bartlett, Illinois, has disrupted service on the Chicago-area commuter rail. At least two cars were on fire, but there were no reports of injuries. Multiple fire departments were responding to the scene.
According to Accuweather.com (http://bit.ly/tZV2Hy), there were hazardous materials in the rail cars, and smoke and fumes from the accident were being blown to the southwest of the scene. Of the several dangerous chemical compounds on board, sodium hydroxide can continue to burn without being exposed to air. The report states that the cause of the fire is suspected to be reactions with other hazardous chemicals on board.
Photos below by Tim Olk (www.olkee.smugmug.com).
