Video – Rockford, Illinois – Train derails and explodes during severe thunderstorm
June 20, 2009 | EMS, EMT, explosion video, fire, Fire department, Firefighter, illinois, MABAS, Paramedic, Rockford, train derailment, train explosion | Ckemtp | 3 Comments

June 19th, 2009 – Rockford, IL

So last night, I was working my ambulance job in Wisconsin and MISSED THIS. My Illinois Fire Department sent an engine and a chief through the MABAS system who are still there. I don’t have all the details, but apparently a severe thunderstorm washed out railroad tracks which caused a train to derail. The train was carrying haz-mat. It ‘sploded, sending a fire ball 300 feet into the air.

Wow. And I missed it. I slept most of the night. They are reporting that there is one dead and nine injured. Those poor people. God’s blessings to the rescuers and the victims.

You can get more details at: the Rockford Register Star

Update: Here is some more information from RRstar.com

  • Anonymous

    That was some incident, Great footage. Sad to think of the injuries and death. I do love the sounds though, I miss the sirens and air horns and such.

  • Pat

    KSo when did they find out it was okay to put water on the hazmet materials

  • Ckemtp

    I believe that they were able to get the manifest from the train company, but that is purely speculation. The guys down there in charge are top-notch and wouldn't make that mistake.