Train carrying hazardous materials derails in rural Maine

ROCKWOOD, Maine (AP) — A train carrying hazardous materials derailed and caught fire in Rockwood, Maine, fire officials said.

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

Rockwood is located in the north-central part of the state in a predominantly rural area. It is near Moosehead Lake, one of the state’s largest freshwater bodies.

The derailment is the latest to plague the rail industry. Federal regulators and members of Congress are urging railroads to do more to prevent derailments after recent burning wrecks containing hazardous chemicals in Ohio and Minnesota prompted evacuations.

Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, transcribed or redistributed.