No public danger stemming from train derailment

The Park Forest community avoided potential disaster Thursday following a train derailment involving 25 rail cars in neighboring Matteson.

The incident happened in the 21700 block of Main Street - just blocks from the boundary line separating Matteson and Park Forest - around 10:35 a.m. when the train exited the railway. Aerial images show numerous black, blue, and white tankers overturned, some resting perpendicular to the tracks located just feet away.

Responding agencies sounded alarms early after discovering the derailed train to potentially be carrying hazardous materials.

Park Forest Fire Department personnel determined that immediate evacuation of Park Forest residents not necessary - calling for a monitoring of the situation - based on wind conditions and the severity of the leak. Village leaders stood prepared however with plans for evacuation should circumstances change.

Further investigation later found that a railcar of particular concern, believed to be carrying liquid propane, was virtually empty quelling much concern of a larger scale disaster.

Canadian National Railway told local media that no fires or injuries were reported, and that there was no cause for further concern. Clean-up efforts are expected to continue throughout the night into tomorrow and motorists should temporarily avoid the area.

Park Forest residents who did not receive an alert from the Village regarding the derailment should sign-up for CodeRed emergency notifications by clicking here.