Train Derailment In Illinois Prompts Emergency “Long-Term Evacuation”

Evacuations are currently underway in Matteson, Illinois, following a freight train derailment on Thursday morning.

NBC Chicago says local officials posted a mandatory evacuation order for all residents and businesses near the derailment site, which occurred around 217th Street and Main.

The order includes the following areas:

Main Street from the tracks south to Sauk Trail 

218th Street and 218th Place

Charles Street

Canadian National confirmed that around 20 cars were hauling “various substances” derailed Thursday morning around 1030 local time.

Importantly, there were no immediate reports of fires or injuries at the site, but officials did say there is a suspected leak from the derailed cars.

Footage of the derailment was posted on X:

BREAKING: A train derailed Thursday morning in far south suburban Matteson, a spokesman for the village said.https://t.co/OJOJ28INEV pic.twitter.com/3NLJG636vC

— ABC 7 Chicago (@ABC7Chicago) June 27, 2024

In markets, Canadian National shares trading in New York slid on the news in late afternoon trading. 

Officials told residents to plan for “long-term evacuation.”

*This story is developing…