Up to 5,000 people have been evacuated after a US train carrying flammable and poisonous materials derailed and caught fire in Tennessee, Sky News reported Thursday.

Blount County Sheriff's Department said the CSX train derailed on the outskirts of Maryville at around midnight on Wednesday.

The train was reportedly carrying liquid petroleum and Acrylonitrile - a flammable and toxic liquid used in the manufacture of plastics.

Authorities have established a two-mile evacuation zone around the area because of the risk of fumes. The evacuations could be in force for up to 48 hours.