Date 25 March 2016 Country United States Injuries 2 | Location Callaway, Minnesota Trains 1 | |
The Callaway train crash was a collision between a freight train and a semi-tanker carrying propane on 25 March 2016 near Callaway, Minnesota, causing a large explosion. Seven empty train cars were derailed, along with one locomotive. Two train crew members were injured, the semi driver was not hurt. The tanker, carrying about 9,000 US gallons (34,000 l; 7,500 imp gal) of propane, was left to burn out. Another concern came from a tank sitting nearby at the elevator, holding another 10,000 US gallons (38,000 l; 8,300 imp gal) of propane.
Twenty-one fire departments (all fire departments from Becker County), eight law enforcement agencies, three ambulance services, the State Fire Marshal’s office and Canadian Pacific Railway officials assisted in the response. The town of Callaway was evacuated. Callaway is about 20 minutes north of Detroit Lakes, with a population of about 220 people. Savior Lutheran Church in Callaway opened its doors to shelter residents and provide space for a command post for first responders. The American Red Cross and Salvation Army had volunteers to give out food and shelter the residents and first responders. On Friday 26 March at 10:00am the residents were allowed to go back and roads were reopened.