Freight Train Derails, Setting Off Explosions

A series of fiery explosions erupted on a freight train Thursday when it derailed while passing through two tunnels, spilling part of its cargo into the Columbia River, authorities said.

None of the four crewmen aboard the 33-car Burlington Northern train were injured in the 20-car derailment, railroad spokesman Howard Kallio said.

The freight cars were not carrying hazardous materials, although a load of corrosive car batteries on one car spilled into the river, Kallio said.