WARREN (WWJ) - Clean-up efforts are underway after a major train derailment in Warren has been causing traffic delays Thursday.
Canadian National Railroad Officials tell WWJ 16 train cars jumped off the tracks in Warren in the area of Stephens and Schoenherr around 7:30 a.m. The train was carrying about 150 cars in total, according to Warren Police Commissioner Bill Dwyer.
Emergency crews at the scene confirmed no one was hurt in the incident and it does not appear any hazardous materials leaked.
The Michigan State Police said Michigan Emergency Management & Homeland Security is assisting the Warren Emergency Manager, Warren Police and Warren Fire with the train derailment in their city.
Cleanup crews and officials with the Canadian National Railway are still on-scene investigating what caused the derailment.
MSP said that "there are no hazmat materials in the cars that turned over," and there is no danger to the community.
"That's the good thing at least," WWJ's Charlie Langton reported, but he did note that the derailment was causing major issues for commuters. "There are a number of cars. it is a very long train and this is going to be here for awhile."
"Warren Police, Warren Fire, Haz-Mat, and Canadian National Railway crews are on scene still conducting an investigation into this incident," city officials said.
Langton said the rail cars are jackknifed off the track and are expected to cause major delays in three areas: 10 Mile between Groesbeck and Schoenherr, Schoenherr between 10 Mile and Stephens, and Stephens west of Schoenherr.
Drivers in the area are being told to avoid the area as those roads are expected to remain closed most of the day Thursday and possibly into Friday morning.
"Thankfully we do not have any injuries or any major environmental concerns as a result of this train derailment," Dywer said. "We are encouraging the
public to avoid the area so that crews can work to clear the derailment as fast as possible. We will continue to keep the public advised of any new information related to this incident.”
MSP said hopefully the scene would be cleared by the end of the day.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ for the latest updates.