A tractor-trailer collided with a CSX cargo train Tuesday afternoon resulting in a massive explosion that could be seen for miles.
The flames and smoke that erupted following the collision forced a train off its tracks and left residents who had not learned of the incident fearful of another bomb attack.
One Twitter user, @Megan_Comeau said, "Literally just left some explosion in Baltimore...What is going on"
At least 100 people in the surrounding areas were evacuated, and a number of businesses damaged as their lights and windows blew out.
"We went outside of the house, which is right on the top of Route 40 at Philadelphia Road," one viewer told CBS Baltimore. "We were watching the fire, and then all of a sudden the explosion happened and actually knocked me off my feet. The window broke out in his house. You could feel the heat on our faces. I never seen anything like it."
A number of crews were dispatched to the scene to assess the damage and secure the area.
"Due to the derailment, traffic in Baltimore City is not being detoured...Other primary roadways in the area including Philadelphia Road and I-95 are also affected by the incident," local reports said. "Motorists are strongly encouraged to use alternate routes Tuesday afternoon and avoid these areas if possible. Drivers are also advised to allow additional travel time and to listen t local traffic reports for updates on this incident."
No injuries have been reported.
Watch the raw footage of first responders as the situation unfolded:
In 2001, Baltimore suffered the Howard Street Tunnel Fire (also referred to as the Baltimore Freight Rail Crash) when a 60-car CSX Transportation freight train sparked a massive chemical fire that burned for nearly a week and ravaged much of the downtown area.
Miraculously no one was killed or seriously injured in the fires.
In 2012, two teens were killed when a CSX train carrying coal derailed, crushing cars and other structures in its path.
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