Fluoride Action Network

Train Derailment Causes Hundreds Of Evacuations In Pa.

Source: local6.com | January 31st, 2005 | Article
Industry type: Miscellaneous

EAST DEER TOWNSHIP, Pa. — A train derailed in East Deer Township at about 6 a.m. Monday and emergency crews evacuated some homes in the area.

At least 13 of the 83 cars on the Norfolk Southern train derailed and eight of those cars were carrying hazardous materials, according to officials. Reports from the scene state that this material is hydrogen fluoride. A few cars are in the Allegheny River.

At least one car carrying hydrogen fluoride has ruptured and is leaking into the Allegheny River. Emergency management officials said there was a small cloud of hydrogen fluoride hovering above the cars.

At 9 a.m., officials reported about 200 people were evacuated from their homes as a precaution. The evacuated residents were transported to or directed to Holy Family Catholic Church. The evacuation could last for a minimum of 12 hours.

The derailment has closed a portion of Freeport Road along the Allegheny River, north of the New Kensington Bridge. Freeport Road is closed between Tarentum and Springdale.

An incident command post has been established at a Sheetz gas station in Tarentum.