Oregon train derailment spills oil, sparks fire

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — A train towing cars full of oil derailed today in Oregon's scenic Columbia River Gorge, sparking a fire that sent a plume of black smoke high into the sky and leading to evacuations.

The accident happened around noon near the town of Mosier, about 70 miles east of Portland. It involved eight cars filled with oil, and one was burning, said Ken Armstrong, state Forestry Department spokesman.

No injuries have been reported.

About 200 students were evacuated from an elementary and middle school near the scene.

Interstate 84 was closed for a 23-mile stretch between The Dalles and Mosier and the radius for evacuations was a half-mile.

The train was operated by Union Pacific. A spokesman for the railroad didn't return calls.