Chemical Train Derails in W.Va.

Feb 06, 12:26 PM

Current Headlines: A CSX train carrying potentially deadly chemicals derailed early Tuesday 20 miles southeast of Charleston, W.Va., prompting the evacuation of some 600 people.

Between 17 and 22 cars of a 99-car freight train derailed about 4:45 a.m. at Handley, Kanawha County 911 Director Carolyn Charnock said.

Although CSX officials said none of the derailed cars was leaking, the surrounding area was evacuated as a precautionary measure. WOWK-TV, Charleston, said a civil emergency warning was in effect through noon.

CSX spokesman Gary Sease told WSAZ-TV, Huntington, 12 of the derailed cars contained hazardous materials. The Department of Environmental Protection said the cars contained sodium hydroxide, liquid petroleum gas, chlorine and benzene. LPG was in six of the cars, the Charleston Gazette reported.

Traffic on Route 61 was shut down between Pratt and Montgomery, W.Va.