Chemical leak from Ohio railcar spurs evacuations

A railcar in Ohio started leaking chemical fumes on Tuesday, prompting officials to issue an evacuation ordinance that remains in effect.

Authorities said a train in Whitewater Township of Hamilton County, Ohio started leaking styrene, a toxic and flammable chemical, from the pressure release valve at around 1 p.m. Tuesday.

“First responders and environmental response contractors were mobilized to the scene, and the local fire department began cooling the tank car with water, which lasted through the night. Out of an abundance of caution, local officials also evacuated area homes and businesses within the vicinity of the rail yard, and we initiated air quality monitoring,” Tom Ciuba, spokesperson for Central Railroad of Indiana which manages the tracks told The Hill. 

“We worked closely with the customer, INEOS, as well as environmental agencies to understand the chemistry of styrene and make the most informed decisions to keep the community safe.”

The Environmental Protection Agency and Federal Railroad Administration have officials on site conducting air quality testing. Residents within 800 meters of the area have been asked to leave while several schools and roads near have been closed indefinitely.

President Biden has been briefed on the incident.

The train is still on the tracks although a spokesperson for Central Railroad of Indiana, which oversees the tracks, said the railcar was no longer venting. So far emergency response teams have doused the vehicle with water but are prevented from moving any parts until its been determined safe. 

The chemical styrene leak can cause headaches, nausea and respiratory issues in the short term and may even lead to organ damage in the long term.

The Hill has reached out to Central Railroad of Indiana for further comment.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.