MARYVILLE, Tenn. -- "A CSX tanker car carrying acrylonitrile caught fire just after midnight Thursday morning forcing the evacuation of more than 5,000 people in an expanding evacuation zone last listed as a 2-mile radius around the site.

According to Blount County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Marian O’Briant, one car was confirmed to have stayed on the track after its axle broke near the crossing at Old Mt. Tabor Road in Maryville. The car was on fire through the early morning and the CSX train, containing a total of nine cars carrying the highly flammable and toxic colorless liquid, was being inspected for any further damage.

Members of Maryville Police, Maryville Fire, Blount County Sheriff's office, Blount County Fire, TEMA have been on the scene since the first 3-alarm call was reported. Responders near the scene are using hazmat gear and 10 first responders have been taken to Blount Memorial Hospital after being exposed to fumes from the toxic smoke and requiring treatment."

Marcus Fitzsimmons reports for the Maryville Daily Times July 2, 2015. [2]