Flames can be seen from the air after an explosion from the train derailment. Sam Upshaw Jr./The Courier-Journal
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) - A chemical fire is still burning early Thursday at the site of a train derailment in northern Kentucky.
Metro Safe spokeswoman Jodie Duncan says hundreds remained evacuated from homes in Louisville and nearby West Point after leaking vapors caught fire Wednesday while workers used a cutting torch to separate two derailed cars.
The chemical is a colorless, flammable gas called butadiene.
Authorities are letting the fire burn itself out. Duncan said they don't yet know how long that will take.
Residents within a 1.2 mile radius of the wreck were evacuated. Those living within a 5-mile radius were ordered to stay indoors. Also, three local schools within the areas of the evacuation or shelter-in-place orders are closed Thursday.
Three workers who were injured in the fire were hospitalized.