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Small Bomb Found On Southern IL Railroad

Amtrak train from Chicago to New Orleans
Amtrak train from Chicago to New Orleans

Madison County, Ill. authorities say a bomb found along rural railroad tracks in southwestern Illinois has been deactivated without injury.

The Belleville News-Democrat reports that Norfolk Southern Railroad workers notified sheriff's deputies after finding the bomb Monday near Edwardsville.

A bomb-disposal unit with the Illinois Secretary of State's Office was summoned and deactivated the device made from a small, barbecue grill-type propane tank attached to several flares.

The device was turned over to Norfolk Southern for investigation.

Norfolk Southern spokesman Robin Chapman says the device probably wouldn't have done a lot of damage. Chapman says the railroad track is used only by freight trains.