HYNDMAN, Pa. — At least one residence was destroyed when it was struck by a derailed car from a CSX freight train that went off the tracks at the northern edge of this town in south central Pennsylvania early Wednesday morning.

Thirty-two cars, some of which contained hazardous materials, derailed around 5 a.m., according to CSX spokesman Rob Doolittle.

At least one car contained liquefied petroleum gas and at least one other car contained molten sulphur that have leaked and ignited, Doolittle said.

Firefighters were battling the resulting blaze that continued to burn just before noon.

The incident location is in the area of Schellsburg Street and Cleveland Street in Hyndman, Londonderry Township.

“They will soon be attempting to put the fire out,” Harry Corley, Bedford County 911 coordinator, told the Cumberland, Maryland Times-News nearly seven hours after the derailment occurred.

The train was traveling from Chicago to Selkirk, New York, and consisted of five locomotives and 178 rail cars. Of those, 128 were carrying freight, including the materials involved in the incident and construction materials, paper and wood pulp. There were 50 empty cars on the train, Doolittle said.

“CSX’s priority is to protect the public’s safety and get assistance to anyone who might need it,” Doolittle said. “CSX is working with local officials, the American Red Cross and other organizations to supply food, lodging, transportation and other necessities to community members who have been affected by this incident.”

Jim Shaffer, who lives near the site of the derailment, said he was awakened by the sound of crashing rail cars.

“It woke me up. It was louder than a thunderstorm. I heard the cars banging into each other. Then I heard the fire whistle,” said the Cunningham Drive resident.

More than 70 volunteer firefighters from Bedford and Allegany counties responded and were lined up on Center Street awaiting direction from the command post at the Hyndman fire station to extinguish the fire.

Various ambulances also responded along with CSX, PennDot, Federal Emergency Management Administration, Pennsylvania State Police and contractual hazardous materials personnel.

The incident prompted the evacuation of residences and businesses within a half-mile of the derailment site.

An evacuation center was set up at a local charter school in Hyndman.

“CSX will continue to coordinate with emergency personnel and local authorities to ensure that those living and working in this community will receive the lost up-to-date information possible,” Doolittle said. “CSX is committed to meeting the needs of the evacuated community members and we will work as quickly as safety allows to return them safely to their homes and businesses,” he said.

Details for this story were reported by the Cumberland, Maryland Times-News.