Freight train carrying crude oil derails in Plainfield

PLAINFIELD, Ill. (WLS) -- Emergency crews are on the scene of a freight train derailment in far southwest suburban Plainfield Friday evening.

The derailment happened around 7:30 p.m. near Rte. 59 and Riverwalk Court. No injuries have been reported. About 25 cars derailed, police said.

Police said about 40,000 gallons of crude oil have leaked from three cars. Firefighters have barricaded off the leak and prevented it from reaching the DuPage River. They are also taking all possible precautions to prevent a fire from starting.

The Canadian National train was traveling northwest at the time of the derailment.

"These trains that come through town are very long, I don't know the specific number of cars on this train. But the cars that do derail, we've been notified that three currently do have some leaking going on," said Sgt. Mike Fisher, Plainfield Police Department.

An evacuation plan was put into place that only involves businesses, police said. Businesses within a 1,000 foot radius of the actual spill were evacuated. Police said no residents or businesses are currently in danger. Police also said that while residents may smell crude oil in the air, there is no immediate danger to residents and no resident evacuation plan is in place.

Due to the derailment West 143rd Street, West Lockport Street, Naperville Road West Main Street and South Center Street are all currently closed. Route 59 is open, police said.

Plainfield police have asked people to stay away from the area. They are trying to clear the spill as quickly as they can but are asking for patience because it is a large scale spill.

Police said they believe it will be a significant amount of time until the train is removed from the tracks.