New Jersey Train Derailment: Toxic Chemicals Spilled, Residents Evacuated
A train in carrying toxic chemicals has reportedly crashed in southern New Jersey after the bridge it was crossing collapsed, sending toxic chemicals into a creek below.
New Jersey's state emergency crews were already at the scene of the freight train derailment and had already begun trying to contain the spill.
The train was crossing a bridge in the West Deptford area of New Jersey Friday morning when the bridge collapsed, sending several train cars filled with toxic chemicals crashing into a creek near the Delaware River, the U.S. Coast Guard has revealed.
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The cars contained vinyl chloride, a highly toxic and flammable chemical, and it is believed to be contaminating the creek, Nick Ameen, a U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer, told CNN.
No deaths have been reported, but residents around the creek have been evacuated and nearby schools are currently under lockdown, a borough emergency official stated.
Helicopter footage shows at least two tankers in the creek and one hanging over a trestle, part of which had partially collapsed.
Residents revealed they smelled an odor in the area and people in the town of Paulsboro were told should stay indoors and to keep all windows closed, a Gloucester County spokeswoman told WPVI.
It's not clear what caused the derailment, which occurred about 17 miles south and across the Delaware River from Philadelphia.
