COLUMBUS -- Fire officials in Columbus say residents evacuated as a result of a freight train derailment should be back to their homes by this afternoon at the latest.
The Norfolk Southern train derailed about 2 a.m. near the Ohio State Fairgrounds.
Two people received minor injuries as a result of the derailment.
Two tanker cars in the derailment were carrying ethanol and exploded into flames. A third tanker carrying ethanol was punctured and also caught fire. The fire is being allowed to burn itself out and the fire is expected to be fully extinguished by late afternoon.
Other train cars in the derailment were carrying non-flammable products such as corn syrup, wheat and other agricultural goods.
About a mile section of Columbus had to be evacuated initially. The area immediately surrounding the site is largely industrial so no homes were damaged in the derailment. Dozens of people were taken to the Rhodes Center during the evacuation but by midday only a handful remained.
The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting an investigation.
WKYC-TV