Horror pics reveal fiery Ohio train derailment inferno after 50-car accident triggers huge explosion and hazmat response

A MASSIVE fire has erupted after a freight train derailed, forcing nearby residents to evacuate as flames engulf the area.

About 50 train cars veered off the tracks near the Ohio-Pennsylvania state line on Friday at around 9pm.

The derailment caused the surrounding area in East Palestine, Ohio to burst into flames.

Residents within a mile of the fire were ordered to evacuate.

Mayor Trent Conaway of the Village of East Palestine has declared a state of emergency.

The derailed train cars caused an explosion, and fire officials are now warning residents in the area that there is a possibility of further explosions while the fire continues.

"There were some small explosions, but it could be stuff in the boxcars. We're not sure. As far as tankers, I don't think any tankers blew up," Conaway told CBS.

Fire and hazmat crews raced to the scene to try to put out the roaring flames.

The hazmat crews were called to assess the hazard of burning materials.

The air quality is reportedly in good condition and the Environmental Protection Agency is monitoring the air at the scene.

However, freezing temperatures have hampered the efforts of emergency responders, with some trucks unable to pump water because of iced equipment.

The train was shipping cargo from Madison, Illinois, to Conway, Pennsylvania.

The flames did spread to at least one commercial structure, but fire crews quickly put out the main body of the fire.

Conaway said the derailment happened close to a Marathon Fuel gas station and right behind a home heating oil supplier.

The gas station reportedly got their semi-trucks of fuel out just in time.

Fire companies from three states, including West Virginia have joined the effort to bring the flames down.

No deaths or injuries have been reported.

Those displaced by the fire have been provided shelter at a local high school and a community center.

When speaking of the evacuation Conaway said: "It was a precaution.

"They have certain guidelines and the preliminary manifest from the railroad suggested that we can either evacuate or shelter in place.

"We decided to play it safe and give the people the option to evacuate," Conaway said.