A train derailed off the tracks on Tuesday afternoon in White Marsh, Maryland, causing a massive explosion, but just one injury. The derailment of the train affected nearby homes, rattling them. The train went off the tracks at about 2 p.m, the Associated Press reported.
"It shook my house pretty violently and knocked things off the shelves," an eyewitness Dale Walston said by an e-mail to the Associated Press.
A "thick plume of black smoke was emerging from the scene and was visible for miles, the smoke drifting across the Baltimore city line and covering the eastern part of the city. It was visible to motorists heading north on Interstate 95, through downtown Baltimore," the AP reported.
Tawan Rai, an employee at Dunkin Donuts, and eyewitness, said he saw a fire and flames by the railroad tracks, then felt a thundering blast, which sent smoke into the sky.
"The whole building shook and there was just dust everywhere," said Rai, adding no windows broke but he was surprised by the intensity of the blast.
"I went outside and people were rushing there, the police officers, fire trucks."
He did not notice any injuries, as what exactly took place, how many passengers onboard has not been established. Rai did notice some ambulances, which soon arrived.
Another eyewitness said that the explosion blew out two large showcase windows and light fixtures in his shop.
The derailment represents the third serious one this month in the country. On May 17, in Bridgeport Connecticut, more than 70 people were injured. An eastbound train from New York City City went off the tracks during the evening rush house, and was struck about 20 seconds afterward by a westbound train.
In Rockview Missouri on Saturday, a cargo train crash injured seven people and destroyed a highway overpass, news reports said.
