CSX train explodes in Painesville, Ohio

October 10, 2007

Painesville, Ohio - A CSX train loaded with oil and grain derailed derailed and exploded in Ohio.

Several cars were on fire, and there were reports of thick black smoke billowing over the area.

Five CSX train cars were thrown "like toys" and five others are on fire, said Michael Wright a witness, who was driving on Ohio 44 about noon.

"I saw a white flash out of the corner of eye. I looked and an oil tanker exploded. Flames shot 50, 60 feet in the air. Other cars were thrown off the tracks and dumped grain that started burning," he said by telephone.

The tracks are about 300 yards from a road, so firefighters are struggling to reach the fire, he said.

The train's locomotive was far ahead of the problem, so Wright believes the conductors are safe. CSX officials have not yet returned a phone call.

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