Chemical leaks reported at train derailment site in U.S. Louisiana

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Chemical leaks reported at train derailment site in U.S. Louisiana

(Xinhua) 08:05, August 06, 2013

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HOUSTON, Aug. 5 (Xinhua) -- A train carrying highly flammable and corrosive materials derailed late on Sunday in the U.S. state of Louisiana, leading to leaks from several railcars, local media reported on Monday.

The derailment took place in Lawtell, about 100 km west of Louisiana's capital city Baton Rouge, local news website NOLA.com reported. At least 26 cars of the 76-car Union Pacific train went off the tracks.

Authorities said that 14 of the 26 derailed cars contained " regulated substances" that are harmful or toxic. Union Pacific spokeswoman Raquel Espinoza told reporters that one car was leaking sodium hydroxide, which can cause injuries or even death if it is inhaled or touches the skin. Another car was leaking lube oil.

However, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal provided a different version of the leaks in a press release. He said that three cars were leaking as of late Sunday. One was leaking lubricant oil, while a second was leaking Dodecanol, a tasteless, colorless alcohol that can cause mild skin irritation. The third was leaking a highly corrosive substance called caustic soda or lye.

Two other cars containing a highly toxic, flammable and carcinogenic substance called vinyl chloride monomer had suffered damage to their exteriors, but there were no signs of apparent leaks yet, the release added.

Over 100 homes within 1.6 km of the derailment have reportedly been evacuated as a precaution. NOLA.com said that these homes remained empty as of Monday morning.

So far there have been no reports of injuries from the incident. An engineer and a conductor were on the train at the time of the derailment. Authorities confirmed they were not hurt.

It remains unknown what caused the derailment, and a cleanup is underway.

（Editor：YaoChun、Zhang Qian）