Train derailment prompts evacuations in northern Minnesota

A train derailment involving over 40 railcars in Roseau County, Minnesota, on Saturday morning has prompted evacuations, according to the sheriff’s office.

The derailment of the Canadian National Railway train happened north of Warroad around 4:50 a.m. The sheriff’s office said 42 cars derailed, including two that are classified as “dangerous goods,” a designation that the Federal Railroad Administration says includes energy products, chemicals, hazardous wastes and radioactive materials.

“There are no reported leaks, injuries or fires and no impact to crossings,” a CN spokesperson said in an email to Sheriff Steve Gust.

According to the sheriff’s office, an evacuation zone from 400th Street to County Road 137 along Highway 313 has been established as a precaution. The Patch Motel on State Avenue in Warroad is open to anyone who needs to evacuate.

Several railcars from a Canadian National Railway train lay off the tracks north of Warroad, Minnesota, after a train derailment on March 28, 2026.

Roseau County Sheriff Steve Gust

Hazardous materials teams were checking for leaks and monitoring the air at the scene on Saturday afternoon, the sheriff’s office said. According to officials, there are no environmental concerns.

First responders and CN employees are working on clearing and cleaning up the scene, which officials said could take two to three days.

CN said the cause of the derailment is under investigation.