Hazardous material spills after train derails in Washington, D.C.
Hazardous material spills after train derails in Washington, D.C.
WASHINGTON, D.C. — A CSX freight train derailed near a Metro stop Sunday, sending 14 cars off the tracks and spilling hazardous material, officials said.
The train derailed about 6:40 a.m. near the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station and one of the cars leaked sodium hydroxide, which is used to produce various household products including paper, soap and detergents, CSX spokeswoman Kristin Seay said.
Sodium hydroxide, also known as corrosive lye, is a chemical that can irritate and burn the skin and eyes.
“The fumes should not cause you any problems, and you should not be able to smell them anywhere else,” said D.C. Fire and EMS Deputy Chief John Donnelly.
Officials worked to re-seal the valve, and the spilled ethanol was contained.
Crews were inspecting the tracks, which are used by CSX, the MARC commuter rail system and Amtrak.