In a recent incident, a freight train derailed in Matteson, Illinois, causing the evacuation of nearby residents. However, after thorough assessment, authorities determined that there was no danger, allowing residents to return home later in the day.

The incident occurred on Thursday morning when around 25 cars on a Canadian National freight train derailed on the east side of the Main Street crossing. Matteson Fire Chief Michael Bacon reported that some of the cars contained residual amounts of liquid petroleum gas, commonly known as propane.

Due to uncertainty regarding the contents of the derailed train cars, a precautionary evacuation order was issued. Homewood Deputy Fire Chief Steve DeJong, who is also the MABAS 44 Hazmat Team Chief, confirmed that all potentially hazardous materials were contained.

The evacuation affected approximately 300 individuals in the area, which included Main Street from the tracks south to Sauk Trail, as well as 218th Street and 218th Place, Charles Street, and areas one mile south of Main Street and 217th Street. Additionally, areas located one mile west of Main Street and a quarter-mile east of Main Street were included in the evacuation, as stated by the village authorities.

By late afternoon, Mayor Sheila Chalmers-Currin announced that the situation was under control, emphasizing that there was no threat from the chemicals and assuring the public's safety. Mayor Chalmers-Currin praised the evacuation as a necessary precautionary measure but confirmed that there was no longer any danger.

Initially, residents were advised to prepare for a "long-term evacuation" and bring any necessary medications and supplies. Mary Appelt-Graves, a resident on 218th Street, recounted her experience of hastily packing up her car with her dog but struggling to coax her cat to leave. She eventually sought refuge at a relative's house. The news of no ongoing danger brought tremendous relief to Appelt-Graves, who was eager to return home to her cat in Matteson.

The derailment also impacted Metra Electric Line service, causing disruptions throughout the day. However, service resumed to normal by 2:30 p.m.

The National Transportation Safety Board has been notified of the incident, although no response team has been dispatched for investigation at this time. The incident serves as a reminder of a high-profile freight train accident that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 3, 2023. In that incident, 38 cars derailed, with 10 of them containing hazardous materials, resulting in a prolonged evacuation and controlled release of toxic chemicals.

Fortunately, the Matteson freight train derailment did not escalate to such levels of danger, and residents can now rest assured that their homes are safe.