A major clean-up operation continues after a Canadian National Railway (CN) freight train derailed south of Chicago, spilling up to 20,000 gallons (76,000 litres) of crude oil.

The crude oil was released when the train derailed at Plainfield, Illinois, on Friday (June 30). It is believed the shipment was headed towards an Exxon Mobil Corp establishment, but the oil major is yet to confirm this.

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The freight train was carrying crude from Canada to Louisiana, when 20 tank cars of the 115-car train came off the tracks. Oil spilled from three of the cars and flowed into the trenches by the tracks.

CN spokesman Patrick Waldron announced the company is still investigating the cause and circumstances of the derailment, according to a Financial Post report.

Waldron told the media the environmental clean-up is proceeding well and will continue throughout the week. The huge clean-up operation will include the removal of contaminated soil.

There were no injuries, fire or threat to public safety, Waldron confirmed. The track has been repaired and trains started to operate in the area on Sunday. 


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