A train has derailed and caught fire in Lynchburg, Virginia, local media report.
No injuries have been reported so far, but the area has been filled with thick, black smoke and crews are evacuating people nearby, according to ABC 13 in Virginia. Seven buildings have been evacuated so far.
Others have reportedly been told to shelter in place, and police have told people to avoid the downtown Lynchburg area.
The train apparently went off the tracks in downtown Lynchburg. It's so far unclear what caused the derailment. The train was carrying crude oil, Reuters reports.
A witness told The Roanoke Times that one of the cars had a "flammable" warning on it.
Some of the rail cars reportedly fell into the nearby James River.
The city released this statement to local media:
Lynchburg Police and Fire Department personnel are on the scene of a train derailment in downtown Lynchburg (near Depot Grille). There are extensive flames and smoke. Both motorists and pedestrians are cautioned to avoid the area until further notice.
Check out this intense video from the scene:
Observers also captured photos of the fire and smoke:
Huge train derailment in downtown #Lynchburg right now. Stay safe. pic.twitter.com/q8CqS3vZFD
— Mike Agogliati (@mikeagogliati) April 30, 2014Smoke fills the air at the scene of the train derailment. WATCH LIVE: http://t.co/wucMzZtps4pic.twitter.com/Aw9clmzpL5
— ABC13News (@ABC13News) April 30, 2014Train derailment in lower basin. Watch live: http://t.co/wucMzZtps4pic.twitter.com/JSfKIqda7G
— ABC13News (@ABC13News) April 30, 2014Train derailment and explosion in downtown Lynchburg pic.twitter.com/ckp23JytTd
— ΛLDO G (@Aldo_GGC) April 30, 2014The derailment has caused a backup on the tracks:
Not far from #lynchburg train derailment trains are stopped on tracks pic.twitter.com/dvJKIWtNsW
— Jenna Zibton (@jennasjems) April 30, 2014