Train derails in northern Linn County

LINN COUNTY- The Linn County Sheriff's Office has confirmed that a derailment occurred on Red School Road north of Central City.

The Canadian National train derailed around 3:45 p.m. and was reported to authorities at 4:15 p.m. As of late Thursday night, the wreckage was still blocking Red School Road.

Spokesman for Canadian National, Patrick Waldron, says there were no injuries and there is absolutely no threat to public safety.

Waldron confirmed 11 cars in total went off the rails and the cause is under investigation. The spokesman tells us the train was going from Cedar Rapids to Waterloo carrying mostly agricultural products from soybean to grains.

He could not say when crews will get the train back on the rails and running again, but says crews will be on scene working throughout the night.