Train carrying crude oil derails, catches fire in northern Washington

A train carrying crude oil derailed and caught fire in Whatcom County, Washington, Tuesday morning, prompting officials to evacuate all nearby residents and businesses for several hours.

Reports that the train had derailed came in around 11:46 a.m., according to the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office, in the 7500 block of Portal Way in Custer, Washington, roughly 15 miles north of Bellingham along Interstate 5, and about 12 miles south of the Canadian border.

Officials initially evacuated the area around the scene due to the toxicity of oil smoke, but lifted the order at approximately 4:44 p.m.