Official: 2 injured, diesel spilled in Wisconsin derailment

SLINGER, Wis. - Two people were injured and more than a hundred homes were evacuated due to a diesel spill from a train derailment in Wisconsin, according to fire officials.

Slinger Fire Department Chief Rick Hanke said three engines and 10 railcars derailed Sunday night. He said trains from Canadian National Railway Co. and Wisconsin & Southern were involved and that officials are investigating the cause.

About 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from an engine, he said. Hazmat crews from Washington County had dikes and booms in place to contain the spill.

Hanke said railcars hauling sand and lumber were also involved, and some lumber spilled.

Six fire departments responded to the scene, though firefighter Scott Krueger said the diesel did not catch fire.

Hanke said the two people who were hurt had injuries that were not life-threatening.

Patrick Waldron, a spokesman for Canadian National, said three engines and "several" railcars belonging to Canadian National derailed. Preliminary reports indicate a Canadian National train struck cars on another train, Waldron said, adding that the circumstances were under investigation.

A representative for Wisconsin & Southern could not immediately be reached.

Waldron said the Canadian National train was headed from Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, to Champaign, Illinois.

Slinger is about 35 miles northwest of Milwaukee.

The Red Cross was assisting evacuees at a local middle school.