A CSX train has derailed in Northeast D.C., with one rail auto leaking hazardous materials, according to D.C. Fire and EMS.
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The Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority, which runs the region’s subway system, said the Rhode Island Avenue station was temporarily closed and that some subway travel on the Red Line was suspended.
A train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed Sunday in Washington, disrupting train services and forcing streets to be closed off, but there were no reports of injuries.
CSX said hours later the leak was plugged.
The CDC said it is reactive to water and can create eye and skin irritation and burns when exposed.
Earlier, the fire department said three cars were leaking an unidentified substance or substances but there was no fire.
A D.C. Department of Environment hazmat specialist told WRC that clean up could take a few days.
Fire department photographs showed several cars lying on their sides by the tracks on the main train route into the city, including tank cars, bulk material cars and box cars.
The chemical spill could stir controversy over CSX transporting hazardous materials through the heart of the USA capital.
Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a news conference that the leak was contained, but officials were not sure how much spilled out.
It was not immediately clear what caused the derailment of the train, which was heading to Hamlet, North Carolina, from Cumberland, Maryland.
Officials say they are working to contain the small alcohol spill before Metro will reopen.
Segraves said the derailment occurred in the 900 block of Rhode Island Avenue NE.
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The incident spurred D.C. MetroRail to suspend train service between the NoMa and Brookland stations, the Washington City Paper reported.
