A train carrying crude oil has derailed in West Virginia Monday, setting rail cars on fire and forcing the evacuation of nearby communities.

At least one CSX rail car plunged into the Kanawha River, and over a dozen burst into flames when the train derailed at about 1:20 pm, near the Mt. Carbon area Fayette County. At least one person was reported injured.

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This is the second case of derailment the company had been involved in, in nearly three weeks.

Over 200 residents within a 1-mile radius were immediately evacuated as houses caught fire and smoke billowed into the air. Heavy snow and chilling temperatures have made it difficult for rescue teams to conduct operations.

Water supply from the Kanawha River have been shut off after reports of burning oil in the river have reached Montgomery and Cedar Grove officials. 

In its Twitter account, CSX confirmed the incident, saying their teams are working to respond to the derailment. CSX added that they are working closely with the Red Cross to address the needs of affected residents, including providing shelters for those who have been evacuated. 

The company said the train, carrying Bakken crude oil, was composed of 109 cars. It was traveling from North Dakota to Yorktown, Virginia when the incident happened. 

West Virginia Governor Earl Ray Tomblin had issued a State of Emergency in Kanawha, and Fayette counties Monday night. Tomblin said this will ensure affected residents will have immediate access to resources, at the height of the emergency. 

"State officials are on site and will continue to work with local and federal officials, as well as CSX representatives, throughout the incident." Tomblin added.

Last January 27th, a CSX train derailed in Allendale County, South Carolina, spilling about 19,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid and acidic solutions. 

Last April, another CSX train run by Plains All American Pipelines derailed and burst into flames in Lynchburg, Virginia.

Just last week, a Canadian National Railways train also derailed in a wooded area in northern Ontario, where seven on its 100 rail cars caught fire. 

Tagstrain crash, West Virginia, CSX, derailment, fire