A house has been destroyed and two towns evacuated after a train carrying 100 tankers of crude oil derailed causing a massive explosion US.

The incident happened in southern West Virginia on Monday.

One tanker ended up in the Kanawha River and at least 14 others exploded.

One person was treated for potential inhalation issues, but no other injuries have been reported.

Nearby residents were told to evacuate as state emergency and environmental officials prepared to travel to the scene about 30 miles southeast of Charleston.

The state has been hit by heavy snowfall but it is not clear if the weather had anything to do with the derailment which happened along a flat stretch of track.