Trains Collide, Catch Fire in North Dakota

Two trains, one carrying crude oil, collided in North Dakota on Monday, setting off powerful explosions and a town evacuation.

A westbound 112-car train carrying soybeans derailed outside the town of Casselton, and an eastbound 106-car train carrying crude crashed into it, officials said. There were no injuries, but the collision left 21 rail cars on fire.

Residents within 5 miles were advised to evacuate, and those within 10 miles were asked to remain indoors because of smoke from the fire. On Wednesday, the all-clear was given for residents to return to their homes.

Federal investigators have found nothing wrong with the tracks or signals along the tracks that might have contributed to the derailment. A broken axle was recovered at the scene Wednesday, but it was unclear whether it was the cause of the derailment or broken during the accident.

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