Authorities ordered residents in Ohio’s Whitewater Township to evacuate on Tuesday due to a “dangerous chemical leak” from a train car.
According to The Cincinnati Enquirer, officials confirmed on Tuesday afternoon that a train car was leaking styrene, which is a toxic and flammable chemical that can be harmful to humans. WLWT reported that officials said the chemical leak was not caused by a train derailment but was instead caused by an open valve on one of the train cars.
The Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency issued a warning on social media, saying, “LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY within a half mile radius of the railyard by US 50, OH 128, and Valley Junction Road, near the Kroger at 4001 Hamilton Cleves Road due to dangerous chemical leak.”
The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that styrene can lead to organ damage and lung inflammation and can even be fatal if inhaled.
Raws Alerts shared a video of the major chemical leak on social media alongside the caption, “Numerous hazmat crews are on the scene following the immediate evacuation orders due to a dangerous toxic chemical leak from a rail car.”
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Raws Alerts noted that officials ordered an immediate evacuation of the surrounding area after a “train car leak of toxic chemicals, including styrene.” Raws Alerts explained that styrene is a “colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor and is highly volatile” and that it is “widely used in the production of plastics and rubber, which are essential for manufacturing products such as insulation, pipes, automobile parts, printing cartridges, food containers, and carpet backing.”
Prior to ordering an evacuation of the area, the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency warned residents that there was a “DANGEROUS chemical leak near State Route 128” and told residents to stay indoors “until further notice,” close all doors and windows, and turn off any heat.
The Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency also announced on Tuesday afternoon that a public shelter had been opened at the Whitewater Community Center.
According to WLWT, Little Miami Joint Fire & Rescue District Chief Mike Siefke confirmed that fire crews were attempting to contain the dangerous chemical vapor by cooling the affected area.
