Matteson, IL – A freight train derailment Thursday morning in Matteson has led to mandatory evacuations for nearby residents.
The incident occurred at around 10:35 a.m. on the 21700 block of Main Street, a village spokesperson reported. No injuries have been confirmed. As of 11:45 a.m., authorities issued an evacuation order for anyone within one mile south of Main Street and 217th Street, one mile west of Main Street, and a quarter mile east of Main Street.
According to officials, crews are assessing whether any hazardous materials are leaking from the derailed train cars. These cars could be carrying a variety of cargo, including chemicals, flammable liquids, consumer goods, raw materials like coal and lumber, or industrial products. Tanker cars, which are cylindrical and used to transport liquids or gases, and boxcars, which are rectangular and used for other goods, were seen derailed in the images from the scene.
Several train cars off the tracks with authorities requesting residents avoid the area as emergency teams work to contain any potential hazards. Additional information will be provided as it becomes available.
