Chemical leaks sealed from train derailing in Washington D.C.,no injuries reported

Leaks of hazardous material have been sealed from a freight train derailing early Sunday morning in northeastern Washington D.C., local media reported.

No injuries were reported and no evacuation ordered. It remains unclear what caused the derailment.

As many as 14 cars of the CSX freight train carrying hazardous material derailed near a metro station around 6:40 a.m. local time, three of them leaking liquids, causing major shutdowns in the area, according to several CSX statements.

Liquid spilt from an overturned tank car was soon confirmed as sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda. The other liquids were later identified as non-hazardous calcium chloride solution and ethanol.

D.C. Assistant Fire Chief John Donnelly said there was no danger to the public, and any fumes from the chemicals should not be a problem.

An underground gas line was also ruptured during the incident, forcing the closure of gas. It is unclear how many people are affected by the closure, said a NBC news report.

The train was traveling from Maryland to North Carolina when it derailed. It has three locomotives and 175 total cars, including 94 cars loaded with freight and 81 empty cars, according to the CSX.

Sodium hydroxide is a strongly alkaline caustic and may generate substantial heat when dissolved in water. Exposure to it can cause eye and skin irritation and burns, and inhaling the fume will hurt the respiratory system.

Source: XINHUA