Train derailment closes Port of Tampa

WTSP-TV, Tampa, Fla.

Show Caption Hide Caption Train derailment closes Port of Tampa Tampa Fire Rescue says at least 12 cars are involved in a train derailment at the Port of Tampa.

Ten rail cars were completely on their sides

The cause of the derailment is not yet known

Firefighters laid a coating of foam on top of the spill to prevent fire

TAMPA -- Firefighters used foam to clean up ethanol that leaked from a CSX train that derailed at Florida's Port of Tampa.

The main portion of the port remained closed and may stay blocked off for much of the day after Tampa Fire Rescue officials say at least 12 rail cars derailed early Thursday.

The train was coming into the port at 1 a.m. when it left the tracks, pulling 12 cars off of the rails -- and sending 10 of those completely onto their sides, according to fire department spokesman Capt. Lonnie Benniefield.

Responders found three of the cars leaking ethanol, a flammable liquid that's often mixed with gasoline to fuel cars and trucks. When it's shipped by rail, ethanol is usually stored in a form that is more flammable than gasoline.

Hazmat-trained firefighters have laid a coating of foam on top of the spill to keep it from catching fire.

The toppled train is blocking the main entrance to the Port of Tampa.

Benniefield said equipment to place the rail cars back on the tracks is being transported from Atlanta to Tampa by railroad company CSX. Righting the entire train could take until late Thursday or early Friday.

No one was hurt in the train derailment, which was originally reported as involving 15 cars. Benniefield said it's not clear yet why the train jumped the tracks. CSX and government agencies are expected to investigate the accident.

Ethanol typically breaks down within a few weeks in the environment, so the impact to the soil and groundwater may be limited.