Residents forced to evacuate after train carrying ethanol derails, catches fire in Minnesota

A train carrying ethanol derailed early Thursday in rural Minnesota, and several cars caught fire, forcing nearby residents to evacuate homes as a precaution.

The derailment took place at 1 a.m. in the small city of Raymond, the Raymond Fire Department reported.

The city is in southwest Kandiyohi County about 110 miles west of Minneapolis.

Homes within a half-mile of the derailment were evacuated, the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

The main track is blocked and an estimated time for reopening the line is not available, BNSF railroad reported.

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So far no injuries have been reported, officials said, and the cause of the derailment was not immediately known.

The fire department and sheriff's office could not immediately be reached by USA TODAY.

Train was carrying ethanol and corn syrup

The train was carrying mixed freight, including corn syrup and ethanol, Lena Kent, general director of public affairs for BNSF Railway, told USA TODAY.

Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from corn and other plant materials. Ethanol use is widespread; more than 98% of gasoline in the U.S. contains some ethanol.

Kent said 22 cars carrying the freight were derailed and that at least four cars caught fire.

Railroad personnel were responding to the site to work with first responders, Kent said.

"The main track is blocked and an estimated time for reopening the line is not available," she said.