Train derails in Calif., homes evacuated
MECCA, Calif. (AP) - March 4, 2008 No one was injured when nearly 30 of the Union Pacific train's
65 cars derailed Monday night about 140 miles southeast of Los
Angeles. It was headed from West Colton to El Centro.
Initial reports that two tankers were ablaze were incorrect,
said James Barnes, director of media information for Union Pacific,
adding that only wooden railroad ties were on fire.
About 40 homes remained evacuated Tuesday because of the
potentially hazardous fumes, fire officials said.
The four tankers were leaking unknown quantities of hydrochloric
acid phosphoric acid, officials said.
Hydrochloric is highly corrosive and can cause burns if it comes
into direct contact with skin or eyes. It is used in the production
of fertilizers and dyes, and in photographic, textile and rubber
industries.
Phosphoric acid is milder and used for rust removal and for the
preparation of steel surfaces for painting.
It was not immediately clear why the train derailed, Barnes
said.
The acid sent up a 25-foot plume Monday night, Riverside County
fire Capt. Julie Hutchinson said.
A smaller cloud, caused by acid reacting with organic material
at the scene, still hovered Tuesday morning although it did not
represent an immediate public health threat, Hutchinson said.
Barnes said the phosphoric acid was reacting with soil.
"It's kind of like a smoldering," Barnes said.
People were being kept out of the area around the derailment
site until the acid leaks were stopped and cleanup crews could
begin their work.
About 2,000 feet of track suffered damage and 25 trains were
delayed, Barnes said, with some rerouted along a route through Salt
Lake City.