Train carrying flammable, corrosive materials derails in Louisiana
by The Associated Press
At least 26 cars went off tracks in city west of Baton Rouge, La., police said
LAWTELL, La.—A train carrying flammable and corrosive materials derailed in Louisiana and about 50 homes have been evacuated as a precaution, authorities said.
Master Trooper Daniel Moreau said three cars were leaking but the amount is so small air pollution detectors have not picked up anything.
Authorities have not reported any injuries.
The evacuated homes were within one mile of the derailment.
Police said at least 26 cars went off the tracks about 3:30 p.m. Aug. 4 in Latwell, La., which is about 60 miles west of Baton Rouge.
Gov. Bobby Jindal flew into St. Landry Parish that night, KATC-TV reported.
“Anytime you have chemicals leaking into the environment, that’s a serious issue,” Jindal said. “Nobody knows the extent of the damage. We’ll get that in the next 24 hours.”
The Union Pacific train had 76 cars, and some of them held lube oil and vinyl chloride, a hazardous chemical, KATC reported.
Traffic was being diverted away from the evacuation zone.
Moreau says it’s not clear how long the evacuation will last.
