Train derailment causes toxic chemical leak

A mass evacuation has occurred in Lawtell, Louisiana, following the derailment of a freight train, which has led to a toxic waste spill. Around 100 homes have been evacuated by authorities in the small town, following the leak of toxic chemicals and hazardous gas from the damaged train.

The 20-train wagon came of the tracks on Sunday (August 4th) and whilst none of the train employees were injured, sodium hydroxide began to leak from the damaged carts, according to Union Pacific railways. The gas can be lethal when inhaled, meaning that many local homes had to be evacuated.

Of the 76 cars the train was transporting, between 23 and 26 derailed; 14 of which were carrying toxic substances, according to KATC. Only three of the carts began leaking any of the substances, but each of them was carrying a different load - Dodecanol, lubricant oil and lye. It is the leaking lye that is causing the most concern, as it is highly corrosive.

There were also concerns that the two cars that were transporting vinyl chloride - a highly toxic substance that is incredibly flammable - were also leaking due to damage, but a spokesperson for Union Pacific railways has said that this is not the case.

So far, only one person has been reported to have suffered health complications following the train derailment. A man who was close to the site of the accident was taken to hospital after he reported a burning sensation in his eyes. It is hoped that the evacuation of local homes will avoid any further residents from developing complications as a result of the derailment.

It is unclear how long residents will have to stay away from their homes. A clean-up operation is currently underway and currently the leaking substances have been successfully contained. The damaged track is also in the process of being replaced and the highway that runs along the railway is being included in the clean-up, in order to limit the environmental impact of the spill.