Cargo train derails near Baltimore, explosion reported (VIDEO)

A cargo train derailed outside Baltimore on Tuesday, followed by a large explosion that set buildings on fire, officials and witnesses told the Associated Press.

The train went off the tracks at the Baltimore suburb of White Marsh in the Rosendale area, sending Baltimore County Police and Fire to the scene. The accident was followed by a large blast that The Baltimore Sun said was felt for miles. 

Local county official Kevin Kamenetz said the train driver was found in serious condition and removed to the Maryland Shock Trauma center. Baltimore County spokeswoman Elise Armacost identified two people on board at the time of the crash, both of whom she said survived, according to The Baltimore Sun. 

The CSX Corporation freight train derailed around 2 p.m. local time, reported Reuters. Several freight cars and buildings subsequently caught on fire and authorities said several structures had collapsed. 

It was not immediately clear what had caused the explosion or train accident.

The Baltimore Sun said it was not known what kind of cargo the train was carrying. 

Pictures from the scene of the blast are reportedly horrific. Here's a tweet with one picture believed taken at the scene: 

Another Maryland resident, Dale Walston told AP he lives about a half-mile away from the explosion and could smell chemicals. 

"It shook my house pretty violently and knocked things off the shelves," he told AP by email. 

Armacost told The Baltimore Sun the smoke billowing from the area was not toxic, however.

There were no immediate reports of additional injuries. Investigations are under way. 

Here's video coverage from The Baltimore Sun: