South Central Reporter

Illinois state Sen. Jason Plummer (R-Edwardsville) wants to make sure his constituents have the latest information about the train derailment in Clinton County that happened earlier this week.

In a September 20 Facebook post, Plummer updated his constituents writing two of the cars on the cargo train contained hazardous materials, but the proper authorities are on-site assessing the situation.

"Around 25 or so cars derailed. There were no injuries (thank goodness!)" Plummer wrote in the post. "The closest residence in nearly a mile away. The various impacted companies (train, manufacturers, etc.) are in communication and working together. Normal safety precautions such as monitoring the air quality, etc. are being taken but there is no evidence of danger or any need for evacuations. It will be at least another day before trains will be running again along this site."

The train derailed between Albers and New Baden at around 11:20 a.m. on September 19, MSN reported. It blocked a rural road in the area, but didn't impact Illinois Route 161.

Albers Police Chief Brian L. Vielweber told the Belleville News-Democrat about 20-25 cars towards the middle of the train somehow came off the tracks and estimated it could take a few days for the clean-up process.

St. Clair County's special services hazmat personnel responded to the train derailment to check the cars, WGEL reported.