A train engine caught fire Friday night, June 20 near a railroad crossing in Bellefontaine and caused brief business and home evacuations.
No injuries have been reported.
Bellefontaine firefighters responded about 9:48 p.m. to the scene just south of the railroad crossing at Chillicothe Avenue and Elm Street and observed flames shooting several feet high from the northbound CSX engine’s exhaust.
Firefighters were able to quickly extinguish and contain the fire.
Homes and businesses in a two-block radius of the fire were evacuated by first responders as a precaution to a possible hazardous materials leak.
Those locomotives can carry 3,000-4,000 gallons of diesel fuel, Bellefontaine Fire Department Assistant Chief Nate Alexander said.
Firefighters determined that diesel had not spilled and nothing toxic was burning before lifting the evacuation order after about 30 minutes.
Patrons of the nearby Fraternal Order of Eagles-Aerie 2166 and the Roundhouse Depot Brewing Co., both located in the 200 block of West Chillicothe Avenue, were among those evacuated.
Some bar patrons said prior to being evacuated there was an “awful and overwhelming” gas-like smell in the area.
While on scene about 11 p.m., Examiner staff did not notice any strong or abnormal smells.
Members of the Logan County Haz-Mat Team said there was a clear liquid — coolant — leaking from around the engine, most of which they were able to contain at the scene.
The Environmental Protection Agency responded to ensure no coolant had contaminated the water supply.
CSX officials believe the fire was caused by engine failure.
The damaged engine was hauled from the scene by another engine.
First responders were still on scene as of 11:15 p.m.
(Examiner Staff Photos)
