US: Massive evacuation after fiery train crash derailment

A mile-wide area was evacuated after freight train, allegedly carrying agricultural chemicals, derailed in the US state of Ohio, early today causing an explosion and fire.

Teams trained to deal with hazardous materials are still working on the scene of the blaze, near the Ohio State Fairgrounds in north Columbus.

There were no immediate details of injuries. Officials say a southbound train with two locomotives and 98 cars of mixed freight derailed about 2 am ET.

Eleven cars derailed but it is not known just how many caught fire.