Train carrying hazardous material derails in Washington D.C.

A CSX freight train derailed Sunday morning near a metro station in northeastern Washington D.C., leaving several cars overturned and leading to a leak of hazardous substances.

According to local media, nine cars of the train derailed, and at least three of them are leaking hazardous material.

At least one of the leaking chemicals is sodium hydroxide, also known as lye and caustic soda, according to the network NBC quoting multiple sources on the scene.

The area was shut down soon after the incident happened at 6:40 a.m. Metro and bus services throughout the area have also been suspended, said the fire department.

The CSX Corporation said in a statement later on that the train was traveling from Maryland to North Carolina when it derailed. It has three locomotives and 175 cars, 94 of which were loaded with freight and 81 empty.

According to the Center for Disease Control(CDC), the odorless sodium hydroxide is a strong alkaline caustic liquid and may generate substantial heat when dissolved in water, which may be sufficient to ignite combustible materials.

The CDC said it can cause eye and skin irritation and burns when exposed. It is also damaging to the respiratory system if the fumes are inhaled.

So far there are no reports of injuries, said the CSX statement.

Source: XINHUA