At least 32 rail cars from a CSX train carrying hazardous materials derailed early Wednesday, causing a petroleum fire and forcing the evacuation of a one-mile radius around the site, according to CSX officials.
At least 32 CSX rail cars, some of which contained hazardous materials, derailed early Wednesday morning in Handyman, Penn., causing a propane fire.
At least one rail car containing liquified petroleum gas and at least one car containing molten sulphur have leaked and are on fire, according to a statement from the Jacksonville, Fla.-based Class I railway. As of 8 a.m. on Friday, the propane fire had been extinguished, however, small sulfur fires continue to burn, said CSX in an update.
CSX hazardous-material experts are working alongside firefighters to assess the scope of the damage, develop a plan to contain the leaks and set up environmental protective measures and monitoring, the company said.
The train involved was traveling from Chicago to Selkirk, N.Y., with 128 rail cars carrying mixed freight, construction materials, paper and wood pulp, said CSX. There were also 50 empty rail cars on the train. The Handyman Fire Department has evacuated everyone within one mile of the site.
“We will continue to coordinate with emergency personnel and local authorities to ensure that those living and working in this community will receive the most up-to-date information possible,” the company said. “CSX is committed to meeting the needs of evacuated community members and will work as quickly as safety allows to return them to their homes and businesses.”
The company has begun removing derailed cars at the site that are not involved or exposed to the fires; as of Friday morning, 17 rail cars have been either re-railed and prepped for removal or cleared from the site.
The cause of the incident remains under investigation, but CSX said it will provide additional information as it becomes available.
CSX and community officials have set up an outreach center for anyone impacted by the derailment and evacuation and the American Red Cross and other organizations will supply food, lodging, transportation and other necessities to those displaced or impacted by the derailment.
CSX hazmat train derails in Pennsylvania
