Ohio Residents Evacuate After Derailed Train Threatens Explosion

Residents of East Palestine in northeast Ohio have been asked to evacuate, as officials fear the cars of a train that derailed nearby might explode or release toxic gases.

Gov. Mike DeWine issued an evacuation order on Sunday evening for people living within a mile of the train derailment.

According to DeWine, a majority of residents left prior to the evacuation notice, but at least 500 people had refused. Families with children who fail to evacuate could face possible arrest.

The threat of a major explosion emerged Sunday night after a derailed train car experienced a drastic temperature change, according to DeWine.

A "catastrophic tanker failure" could cause a blast and send deadly shrapnel to fly up to a mile away, he continued. There has also been concern about hazardous materials like vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate and combustible liquids contained in the derailed cars.