Freight train derails in Matteson, forcing nearby residents to temporarily evacuate

MATTESON, Ill. - A freight train derailed Thursday morning in Matteson, prompting nearby residents to evacuate their homes temporarily.

At about 10:45 a.m., a Canadian National Railway (CN) train consisting of about 25 railcars was carrying various substances when it derailed near the 21000 block of Main Street.

Two railcars containing liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) leaked a limited amount of product. The product was contained and officials said there was no danger to the public.

CN completed the controlled burning of 11 cars on Saturday. Train movements resumed Sunday. 

Homes close to the derailment were initially evacuated in the wake of the hazmat situation. However, it has since been lifted except for properties immediately adjacent to the site.

Residents of Park Forest and Richton Park were encouraged to contact their local departments for further instruction.

The Matteson Fire Department checked each freight car for any potential chemical leaks. Clean-up at the site will continue over the next few weeks as crews remove railcars, repave the road and refurbish the crossing, a CN spokesperson said. 

There were no fires and no injuries reported.

The cause of the incident is under investigation as it is currently unclear what caused the train to derail.