ONEIDA, N.Y. (AP) - A train carrying liquefied propane derailed this morning, setting off an explosion and fire that forced evacuations from this small central New York city and shut down a section of highway.

The 7 a.m. blast sent a huge fireball into the dawn sky. Thick smoke continued pouring out hours later as about half a dozen propane tanker cars burned, Police Chief David Meeker said. He said the explosion followed the derailment of about 15 of the train’s 80 cars.

Fire crews fought to keep the flames from spreading to other tanker cars, about half of which carried propane.

"There is danger of further explosions," said Fire Department Lt. Kevin Salerno.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or fatalities.

The derailment occurred in an unpopulated area. Officials were evacuating an area of about a 1-mile radius, covering most of the downtown of the city of 10,000. As many as 4,000 people live within that area.

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