Freight train derails in Illinois prompting mass evacuation for residents within a mile as hazmat teams rush to 'leaking cars'

An Illinois town was forced to evacuate after a freight train derailed causing a leak from the cars. 

The Canadian National Railway train derailed in the village of Matteson around 10:30 a.m., WGN-TV reported.

The railway company issued a statement about 1:30 p.m. saying that about 25 cars derailed. 

There were no reports of fires or injuries although one car containing residue liquified petroleum gas leaked, the company said.

Authorities ordered residents within a mile to evacuate and prepare for a 'long-term evacuation', and to take medication and supplies with them. 

Shortly after, the railway company said that the leak had been contained and the evacuation order was lifted except for properties immediately adjacent to the site.

Liquified petroleum gas is a colorless, odorless, flammable gas used as fuel for heating and cooking appliances. 

Inhalation can cause drowsiness and respiratory irritation, according to the Chemscape website. 

Long-term exposure can cause nerve damage, nosebleeds, weight loss and fatigue. 

The gas is prone to oily residues that can be corrosive, according to The Analytical Scientist website.

Matteson spokesperson told the Chicago Tribune  that responders had noticed a white powdery substance leaking from one of the cars. 

Due to many of the cars carrying chemicals, officials ordered an evacuation as a precaution. 

He told the outlet: 'It was very precautionary because we were dealing with something that we couldn’t take a chance on, given the recent reports of derailments and powdery substances that have led to fires.' 

Footage captured of the scene shows the train cars piled up at the side of the track following the derailment. 

The white powder in question can also be seen piled on top of the track after having fallen out of one of the cars.

Metra trains were halted through the area due to the evacuation order, but service on the Electric Line has since resumed.

It comes after a train carrying cancer causing chemicals were released into the air in East Palestine, Ohio, following a train derailment last year. 

Rivers were polluted and hundreds of locals complained of ill health including headaches and rashes.

The train was carrying 700,000 pounds of vinyl chloride when 53 of its carriages derailed on February 3, 2023.

No injuries were directly reported at the time, but the cocktail of chemicals caused a huge fire forcing locals to evacuate.

As well as being ecologically damaging, the derailment cost train company Norfolk Southern an estimated $1.1 billion and sent share prices plummeting in the two months after the disaster.