City of Nora evacuated following train derailment in Jo Daviess County, IL

Several train cars derail in Jo Daviess County early Thursday morning, causing around 100 people to be evacuated from the area. According to the Jo Daviess County Sheriff’s Office, at least 15 train cars derailed just after midnight  at the railroad crossing on North Stagecoach Trail near East Chestnut Street in Nora. The train involved is an 82-car Canadian National train carrying ethanol. Residents within 1,000 feet of the incident have been evacuated, affecting around 100 people. According to the Warren Fire Department, anyone displaced because of the incident is welcome to go to the Warren Community Building where a Canadian National Railroad representative is available for support. Reports say no one will be allowed back into the Town of Nora for the next 12-18 hours. Officials have reported no injuries as a result of the derailment. Emergency crews, including fire departments, HAZMAT teams, and law enforcement are all on the scene managing the situation. Authorities urge the public to avoid the area as cleanup efforts continue. A news conference is planned for 1 p.m. where officials are expected to give an update.