Louisiana train derails with flammable, corrosive materials causing 50 homes to be evacuated

A train carrying flammable and corrosive materials derailed in Louisiana on Sunday and about 50 homes have been evacuated as a precaution, authorities said.

photo screenshot of coverage by WAFB-TV

Master Trooper Daniel “Scott” Moreau said three cars were leaking but the amount is so small air pollution detectors have not picked up anything.

Authorities have not reported any injuries.

The evacuated homes were within one mile of the derailment. Police said at least 26 cars went off the tracks Sunday afternoon.

Gov. Bobby Jindal visited the area and then spoke to the public confirming that there was no injuries.

“The good news is that right now, there are no fatalities and no injuries. Again, I’d like to praise State Police, sheriff’s deputies, first responders, DEQ, DOTD several other state agencies and local officials working together and running toward danger instead of away from it,” Jindal said

The Union Pacific train had 76 cars, and some of them held lube oil and vinyl chloride, KATC-TV reported.

The evacuation should remain in place for days, not weeks, Jindal said. Union Pacific has set up a hotline for those affected: 1-877-877-2567. The rail company will be covering costs for affected residents.

UPDATE: The post was published with the typo “trail” in the headline. – BJones, The Global Dispatch