DESCRIBING THE UNFAMILIAR. While I was away, the Illinois Central put some ethanol on the ground at Mulford Road. Eyewitness descriptions included an interesting characterization.

Witnesses told the Rockford Register-Star that cars on the Chicago-bound train began hydroplaning in standing water as it approached the crossing. Some of them left the tracks moments before two of them exploded.

I suppose a derailed car coming through standing water might look like it's hydroplaning. The train crew reported standing water. There is not yet conclusive evidence that the tracks were washed out. One woman, a passenger in a waiting car, died of thermal injuries following the explosion of the ethanol cars.