WORLD NEWS | Hazmat train derails in rural Maine

ROCKWOOD, April 16 (AP) A train carrying dangerous goods derailed and caught fire in Rockwood, Maine, fire officials said.

Rockwood Fire and Rescue posted a photo of the derailment on its Facebook page Saturday and advised residents to “stay away!” It was unclear if anyone was injured in the derailment, and the department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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In a photo attached to the Facebook post, about four trains appear to have derailed. Small fires could be seen and black smoke drifted across what appeared to be a snow-covered forest.

Somerset County Emergency Management and 911 Chief Michael Smith confirmed the derailment had occurred and multiple state and local responders were on the scene. He said more details would be provided later in the afternoon.

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Rockwood is located in the north central part of the state, which is mostly rural. It is near Moosehead Lake, one of the state’s largest freshwater lakes.

The derailment is the latest incident to plague the rail industry. Federal regulators and members of Congress have urged railroads to do more to prevent derailments after recent fires in Ohio and Minnesota involving hazardous chemicals prompted evacuations. (Associated Press)

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