Officials evacuated residents in a Louisiana parish on Wednesday after a train derailment caused an Acid Leak.
Crews from the Louisiana State Police were on the scene Wednesday afternoon assessing the derailment in St. James Parish, about 50 miles west of New Orleans.
The derailment caused an acid leak, and residents in the surrounding area were evacuated, according to the St. James Parish government.
According to Louisiana State Police, the impacted railcar was carrying approximately 20,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid.
The Louisiana State Police said in a statement that “hazardous materials crews, railroad personnel, parish officials, and others are assessing the extent of a leak on one railcar.” “With perimeter air monitoring, crews will continue to monitor the leak.”
According to police, an “extended cleanup” is expected. According to the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office, all streets within the exclusionary zone are closed.
“If you have elderly families who do not have social media, please contact them and get them to evacuate,” the sheriff’s office tweeted.
The cause of the derailment has not been disclosed, nor has the railroad company involved been identified.
“Further details will be provided as information is confirmed by emergency response personnel,” according to the Louisiana State Police.
