US freight train derails, explodes, levels several nearby buildings

BALTIMORE: A freight train has derailed near the US city of Baltimore, triggering a fire and a massive explosion reportedly heard for kilometres around the city.

Television footage showed several train cars lying on their side amid flames and swirls of black and white smoke, with the remains of a truck that, according to reports, may have tried to cross the tracks as the train passed.

The Baltimore County Police and Fire Department said there were no early indications of casualties, but it posted on Twitter that preliminary reports show "several buildings collapsed at site of train derailment."

The Maryland Transit Administration said the train, operated by freight carrier CSX, derailed around 2.15 pm near Rosedale, Maryland, and travel delays are expected as authorities juggle schedules to accommodate commuter trains.

he force of the explosion appears to have blown away the facade of some structures near the tracks, according to live images on WBAL television.

Amateur video believed to depict the aftermath of the derailing showed flames soaring more than 20 metres into the air, followed by a huge explosion.

The National Transportation Safety Board said it was monitoring the incident. (AFP)