Emergency responders are evacuating the small community of Ellendale in southeastern Minnesota following a train derailment. Residents are being asked to go to Geneva United Methodist Church. School has also been canceled for the day at all buildings because the derailment response has blocked all access to the elementary building. According to the Union Pacific Railroad, four UPRR rail cars derailed at around 5:45 a.m. At least one rail car was carrying liquid petroleum gas, which is flammable.
Traffic Update: Highway 30 is closed at I-35 and west of Ellendale
Officials are working to clean up the area, but until it’s cleared, Highway 30 will remain closed. The community is being evacuated as a precaution.
Traffic that must use Highway 30 west of I-35 may use Exit 32 at Hope and follow Steele County Road 14.
MnDOT will announce the full opening of the highway via the MnDOT District 6 Twitter feed. Follow MnDOT at www.twitter.com/mndotsoutheast for the updates.
MnDOT urges motorists to follow these recommendations in following the detour:
• Stay alert
• Watch for signs, equipment and workers
• Minimize distractions, such as using cell phones, eating or drinking
• Avoid tailgating
• Follow posted speed limits and directional signs
• Stay in one lane while driving through a work zone
For real-time traffic and travel information in Minnesota, visit www.511mn.org.