A train derailed in a town in the US state of Ohio near the border with Pennsylvania, causing a major fire, which was followed by orders for residents of the area to evacuate their homes on Friday evening, according to reports.

"At approximately 11 p.m. an evacuation order was issued in an area 1 mile from the James Street crossing, with shelter provided at East Palestine High School," a post on the city of East Palestine , Ohio's Facebook page said.

A previous city circular just before 10 p.m. asked residents of the area to take cover.

There were no immediate reports of casualties.

KDKA TV reported that the cause of the derailment was not immediately known.