A hazardous chemical tanker train derailed in Ohio, USA, prompting officials to urgently evacuate nearby residents amid fears of a hydrochloric acid leak that could result in an explosion.
The freight train involved belongs to Norfolk Southern and derailed in Bucyrus, Ohio, USA. Authorities urgently evacuated residents living near the site after discovering a hazardous chemical tanker car in the train, raising concerns over a potential hydrochloric acid leak and explosion risk.
The Crawford County Emergency Management Agency reported that the derailment occurred at approximately 20:40, with 19 train cars coming off the tracks. Among these was at least one tanker carrying hydrochloric acid, which might be leaking. Due to the explosion risk, officials ordered an urgent evacuation within a one-mile (about 1.6 kilometers) radius around the site.
The accident took place near the intersection of Whetstone Street and Auto Avenue, close to residential areas. Police, firefighters, and rescue personnel went door to door to safely evacuate residents from the area.
Later, at around 23:30, authorities reduced the evacuation zone to a quarter-mile radius, approximately 400 meters, emphasizing that the evacuation was a precautionary measure to ensure public safety.
As of now, no injuries or deaths have been reported. Officials are inspecting the chemical tanker cars and working to determine the cause of the accident, while closely monitoring any potential hydrochloric acid leaks.
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