Train Derailment Leads to Evacuation of Ellendale
Ellendale, MN (KROC AM News) - Residents in Ellendale were told to evacuate Friday morning after a train derailment about half a mile south of the small Steele County town.
It happened around 5:45 a.m. and involved a Union Pacific train. No injuries were reported.
One of the cars that derailed was a tanker with a load of LP and it ruptured, causing a leak that created a visible plume. Officials decided to let the gas vent and as of 11:30 a.m., the plume was no longer visible.
Ellendale is located west of Blooming Prairie and south of Owatonna, near I-35.
Officials closed Highway 30 in the area as a precaution. The local school was also closed for the day. Residents were offered to stay at a local church until the all-clear was given. Most were allowed to return home around 12:30 p.m.
The Rochester Fire Department’s HAZMAT team was among several public safety agencies called to assist in the response.
Ellendale has a population of about 700.