ST. JAMES PARISH, La. — Acid leaking from a tank car has led to evacuations near a Canadian National derailment that occurred Wednesday afternoon.
The Advocate newspaper reports the derailment occurred about 2 p.m., with the leak from a car carrying about 20,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid reported about 3:15 p.m. That led to evacuation of about 200 people, with 150 evacuated initially and another 50 when the evacuation zone was expanded about 9 p.m.
The accident site is near the unincorporated community of Paulina, roughly halfway between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. State Route 44 has been closed near the accident scene. The evacuations and several road closures remain in place as of 6 a.m. CDT Thursday.
Eric Deroche, St. James homeland security director, told the newspaper the neutralization and cleanup of the acid could require up to 24 hours. The acid, which has a pungent odor, poses inhalation risks, as well as risks for skin and eye contact, and produces poisonous gas in a fire.
In all, six cars were involved in the derailment.
— Updated at 7:45 a.m. CDT Nov. 3 with additional evacuations, Thursday morning status update.
I’ve heard these cars referred to as “candy stripers”. Legend says that the harshest chemicals are transported using these cars. The railroader I heard this from advised I stay the heck away from them if ever I see one.