Derailed Train Triggers Massive Explosions in Fayette County

A derailed train carrying tankers of crude oil triggered huge explosions in West Virginia’s Fayette County and set fire to a home on Monday, February 16. No injuries were reported in the house fire, but several of the derailed train cars fell into the Kanawha River, at least one of which is leaking oil, according to news reports. An evacuation order was issued for nearby areas.

Kanawha County Manager Jennifer Sayre said at least 14 tank cars were burning and that each car contained 33,000 gallons of oil, reported The Charleston Gazette. The West Virginia’s governor issued a state of emergency for Fayette and Kanawha counties. Credit: Facebook/Ruthie Willis Collins