Date:13/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/13/stories/2007031303131400.htm

International

Blasts after derailment

ONEIDA (New York): A train carrying propane (liquefied petroleum gas) derailed in upstate New York on Monday morning, causing an explosion that sent a huge fireball into the dawn sky. Black smoke poured out for hours as the city's downtown was evacuated. Authorities, concerned about the possibility of further explosions, were evacuating people in a one-mile radius around the blast, including most of the downtown area in this central New York city region of 10,000, Fire Department Lt. Kevin Salerno said. There were no reports of injuries from the 7 a.m. (local time) blast. The explosion followed the derailment of 20 to 25 train cars. — AP