A train derailment and explosion in Princeton Sunday night closed U.S. 41 in both directions and caused a mandatory evacuation.
Information about how the train derailed is still unknown. In a statement from CSX Transportation, which was operating the train, there were no reported injuries as of late Sunday evening.
The Gibson County Sheriff’s Office said they received several calls Sunday night about a train derailment and explosion in the area of Old U.S. 41 and Caniff Trailer Court.
First responders reported seeing the derailed train about 2,100 feet west of the mobile home park. CSX said preliminary reports indicate a release from a railcar containing propane.
The Sheriff’s Office said authorities issued a mandatory evacuation of an area within a one-mile radius.
Indiana State Police say Traffic northbound on 41 was closed at Indiana 168 and southbound at Indiana 64.
First responders went door to door to businesses and homes within a 1-mile radius evacuating persons from the area. Those displaced were allowed to go to the Gibson County Fairgrounds Toyota Events Center.
CSX in a statement said they were working closely with local firefighters and other first responders to assess the situation, and the safety of the community and everyone on site is thier top priority as they develop a recovery plan. They say the train consisted of two locomotives, 89 loaded railcars and 9 empty railcars.
The Gibson County Sheriff’s Office and Indiana State Police will release more information as it becomes available.
