WASHINGTON: A freight train derailed in the eastern US state of West Virginia on Monday, sparking a huge blaze, spilling into a river and causing the evacuation of a town, officials said.

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin declared a state of emergency for Kanawha and Fayette counties, so the affected areas can “have the access they need to resources necessary to handle all stages of the emergency.”

The 109-car CSX freight train traveling from Nebraska to Virginia state was carrying crude oil, some of which spilled into the Kanawha River, Tomblin said.

No injuries were immediately reported.

Local CBS television affiliate WOWK said authorities had ordered the evacuation of the Powelltown Hollow area.

“State officials are on site and will continue to work with local and federal officials, as well as CSX representatives, throughout the incident,” Tomblin said.

“Officials at the Montgomery and Cedar Grove water intakes continue to monitor the situation.” — AFP

-NST