State, Federal Officials Visit the Scene of a Fiery Train Derailment in Kandiyohi County Thursday Morning

Originally published 4:25 a.m. March 30th, 2023

Updated 9:07 a.m. March 30th, 2023

To listen to a podcast of our entire coverage of this event, please click below.

(KNSI) — Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, State Emergency Management authorities and the Federal Railroad Administration are on the ground near the site of a fiery 22 car train derailment in Raymond.

Residents of the small Kandiyohi County town of 800 people were awakened just after 1:00 a.m. after a Burlington Northern Santa Fe train went off the tracks on the western edge of the city and caught fire. The tankers were carrying mixed freight of ethanol and a corn syrup liquid.

Highway 23 is closed in both directions from Kandiyohi County Road 1 to Chippewa County Road 1 and will remain closed until noon Friday, per the Minnesota Department of Transportation. Flaggers are out rerouting traffic around the town, per Minnesota State Patrol Sergeant Jesse Grabow.

Fire departments from Raymond and numerous other cities responded to the scene. Firefighters, paramedics and law enforcement assisted in evacuating the city within a half mile of the derailment site. An emergency shelter was set up at Unity Church in Prinsburg.

State Representative Dave Baker of Willmar issued a statement saying he is “grateful that this tragic situation has not resulted in any injuries or fatalities” and thanked “the generous residents of Prinsburg and the Central Minnesota Christian School for stepping up and making sure that the evacuated had a place to go.”

Baker’s statement added, “We all owe a debt of gratitude to our first responders who reacted quickly to evacuate the area and made sure residents could be moved to safety. Moving forward, I remain in constant contact with city, county, state, and federal officials to make sure that the community has the support they need.”

Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach, who represents the Raymond area, also issued a statement saying, “Thanks to the quick work by first responders assisting the Raymond community, I am told the fire is under control, and there have been no injuries. My team is on the ground with local officials and will work to assist in every way we can.”

Senator Andrew Lang of Olivia echoed that statement saying, “Thank you to the first responders who acted quickly to address the situation and ensure everyone in and around the Raymond community is safe and accounted for,” said Lang. “We must also recognize and thank surrounding communities and local organizations who immediately stepped up to ensure every displaced person has a place to go as the situation gets resolved. I plan to be out there today, willing to offer any assistance necessary.”

The American Red Cross has been deployed to help displaced residents and act as a canteen for first responders. The Federal Railroad Administration is also on the ground as the investigation gets underway.

Raymond is approximately an hour and 20 minutes southwest of St. Cloud.

___

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

___