Leaks of hazardous material have been sealed from a freight train derailing early on Sunday morning in northeastern Washington, local media reported. Officials say 9-10 cars overturned and three cars are leaking hazardous materials.
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The leak was eventually “plugged” according to WTOP, and emergency responders and a hazmat crew were on the scene to clean up following the accident.
The chemical spill could stir controversy over CSX transporting hazardous materials through the heart of the USA capital.
But the Rhode Island Metro Station and Rhode Island Avenue, and other nearby streets were shut down so emergency officials could access the site to check for possible danger from the spill.
The Brunswick Line on the MARC Train is now blocked between Union Station and Silver Spring due to a CSX freight train derailment.
Sodium hydroxide is a corrosive chemical that can irritate and burn the skin and eyes.
Metro officials say they hope to have Red Line service fully restored by Sunday evening.
While the Penn and Camden Lines are not directly affected, MARC says Monday morning’s Camden Line Train 844 and evening Penn Line trains 428 and 447 are canceled.
He said: “It looks like our guys have got this pretty well contained”.
“I thought it was like a semi-truck coming toward the building and when I looked out the window, I saw cars piling up”, said Nellum, who had just moved in the night before. So I’m not even used to hearing trains.
Segraves said the derailment occurred in the 900 block of Rhode Island Avenue NE.
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Nellum said his girlfriend tried to leave the area, but was told to stay put. Red Line users should allow for extra time. It was made up of three locomotives and 175 rail cars, some carrying mixed freight and some riding empty, Washington, D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser said at the news conference.
