Train derailment in Columbus, Ohio

Columbus - There are no immediate reports of injuries after a train derailed in Columbus, Ohio during the early morning hours. Reports of flames shooting up hundreds of feet into the air have come in from local media.

The train derailed near5th and 11th Avenues in the Ohio city shortly before 2:00 a.m. Wednesday. Video from 10TV.com shows bright orange flames and a cloud of smoke coming from the scene. It is reported that the train carrying 34 cars including several tankers derailed. There are reports that there was a possible explosion during the derailment. NBC4i.com is reporting that Hazmat has been called to the scene. At this time there are no reports of injuries. According to journalist Al Boe on Twitter there are reports that the train may have been carrying sulfur. When sulfur burns it produces sulfur dioxide, a poisonous gas. Inhaling the gas can result in difficulty in breathing and premature death. The OSU Emergency Mgmt tweeted "From OSU DPS. We are opening the EOC due to a train derailment @4th/Summit.This is a partial EOC activation." The derailment took place east of Ohio State University's campus. Area residents within a one mile radius have been asked to evacuate. Several roads in the area have been closed off.