Huge fire after US oil train derails

31 December 2013 Last updated at 07:47 GMT

Huge fire after US oil train derails in North Dakota

TV cameras and onlookers filmed some of the explosions

Wagons from a mile-long train carrying crude oil have burst into flames as they derailed after a collision in the US state of North Dakota.

A plume of thick black smoke could be seen many miles away and explosions were heard.

No injuries were reported, but officials are urging people from the nearby town of Casselton - some 2,300 people - to evacuate as a precaution.

An investigation into the incident has been launched.

A spokeswoman for the North Dakota Department of Emergency Services said the last 50 wagons of the train had been uncoupled, but another 56 remained at risk.

The derailment, after a collision involving another goods train, is reported to have happened near an ethanol plant.

Emergency and fire-fighting crews have been sent to the scene.

Cass County sheriff's office said it was "strongly recommending" that residents in parts of Casselton and anyone living five miles (8km) to the south and east evacuate.

Officials say several wagons of the train had been knocked off the tracks

Residents said the heat from the explosion could be felt from the town of Casselton

The accident happened at around 14:00 local time on Monday afternoon

The train carrying crude oil was pulling 106 wagons

Officials have said a change in weather patterns could expose residents to smoke and possible health hazards.

Residents within 10 miles of the scene are being asked to stay indoors.

A shelter for those evacuated has been set up in Fargo, about 25 miles away.

Casselton resident Eva Fercho said she first noticed black smoke and then heard two explosions, WDAY News reported.

"I could almost feel the house shake... it was loud," she said.

Correspondents say it is the latest in a string of incidents that have raised alarm about a rise in crude oil traffic on the railways.

In July a train carrying oil from the Bakken oil region in North Dakota derailed near the Canadian town of Lac Megantic, killing more than 40 people.