"Dangerous" chemical leak from train triggers evacuations in Ohio county
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Screenshot: Hamilton County Emergency Management and Homeland Security/X
A chemical leak from a train car in Whitewater Township, near Cincinnati, prompted Ohio officials to issue evacuation orders on Tuesday due to concerns about a potential explosion.
The latest: Hamilton County officials said Wednesday evening that evacuation and shelter-in-place orders were lifted after the leaking train car was removed from the scene.
The big picture: Hamilton County, Ohio, officials wrote on X that "the leaking train car has been isolated" as of 11pm Tuesday ET, but a statement on its website urged residents to "LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY at least a half-mile radius away from US-50 and OH-128 in any direction."
- The online post described the situation as "DANGEROUS" and noted there was "potential for exposure to toxic chemical and possible explosion" as it urged people to stay away from the area until further notice.
Driving the news: Little Miami Joint Fire and Rescue District Chief Mike Siefke said at a news conference Tuesday that the rail car had released styrene — a colorless, flammable liquid used for making plastics and rubber, which the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences describes as "highly volatile" with "a sweet odor."
- He said crews were "trying to contain the vapor" and were working to cool down affected areas.
- Siefke noted that evacuation orders issued to some 210 homes were issued due to health concerns about styrene, which can cause headaches, nausea and respiratory issues.
State of play: Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said on X late Tuesday that Federal Railroad Administration officials were heading to Hamilton County and urged anyone near the affected intersection to "follow safety recommendations and directions from local officials."
- Schools and roads in the affected area were closed in response to the leak.
- Officials established shelters at the Whitewater Township Community Center in Cleves and Miami Township for people affected by the leak.
- There were no immediate reports of injuries from the incident.
Flashback: Ohio crews release toxic chemicals from derailed train
Editor's note: This article has been updated with new details throughout.
