Canadian Pacific derailment in Iowa leads to evacuations

Canadian Pacific derailment in Iowa leads to evacuations

By David Lassen | August 30, 2021

Anhydrous Ammonia leaks from car into floodwaters; evacuees allowed to return home on Sunday

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Canadian Pacific Railway beaver logoNEW HAMPTON, Iowa — Canadian Pacific emergency crews remained on site Sunday, addressing a Saturday derailment of six locomotives and 11 cars of a CP train near New Hampton.

Canadian Pacific reports that one car carrying anhydrous ammonia derailed into floodwaters and leaked product. “Supporting and working closely with local emergency response officials, our priority is protecting public safety and the environment as we continue our coordinated response.,” the railroad said in its statement. “CP sincerely appreciates the efforts of local First Responders for their quick and ongoing response.”

KWWL-TV reported the leak led to evacuations near the derailment site approximately 3 miles southwest of New Hampton. As of Sunday afternoon, the Chickasaw County Emergency Management Agency reported those who had been evacuated were being allowed to return home, and that current weather modeling showed no danger to New Hampton residents. “This is ever changing and we will advise the public if conditions change,” the agency said in a press release.

Anhydrous ammonia is a flammable material that is a source of nitrogen fertilizer. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports the material can cause lung damage and is fatal in sufficient quantities.

As a precaution, the engineer and conductor were treated and released at a local medical center; no other injuries were reported.

Agencies responding to the incident include fire departments in New Hampton and Ionia, Iowa ; the Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office, Chickasaw Rescue Squad, and Chickasaw Ambulance Service.

New Hampton is approximately 40 miles north of Waterloo, Iowa, and 50 miles east of Mason City. The area had been patrolled by railroad inspectors earlier Saturday following extensive rain and flooding in the area. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation.

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