Dangerous chemical leak from train car forces evacuations in Ohio town

WHITEWATER TOWNSHIP, Ohio — A “dangerous chemical leak” from a rail car Tuesday in southwest Ohio has prompted the evacuation of people from homes and schools, and there are fears of a possible explosion, reports say.

Authorities said the rail car was leaking styrene, a toxic and flammable chemical that is used to make plastic and rubber. It can cause headaches, nausea and respiratory issues, and long-term exposure can lead to more serious health problems, including organ damage.

WLWT Channel 5 reports the leak is occurring near Ohio 128 and U.S. 50 in western Hamilton Count near the Great Miami River. The leak was reported at about 1 p.m., a spokesperson with the Central Railroad of Indiana tells WCPO Channel 9.

Hamilton County’s Emergency Management Agency advised anyone within a half-mile of the area to leave immediately. Residents just outside the evacuation area were told to stay inside and keep their windows closed.

Reports did not say how many people have evacuated the area. It’s unclear how long the evacuation will remain in place. Three school buildings were evacuated and all after-school events were canceled, said Lisa Whiteley, a spokesperson for the Three Rivers Local School District.

Responders have been spraying water onto the rail car to keep it cool, reports say. But Little Miami Fire and Rescue Chief Mike Siefke said during a news conference Tuesday night there is a “potential” for an explosion, WCPO reports.

“I am more concerned knowing what we know now — I don’t have all the details, the experts are doing their tasks right now,” Siefke said.

On Feb. 3, 2023, 38 Norfolk Southern rail cars derailed in East Palestine in Columbiana County. Five of those cars carried 116,000 gallons of vinyl chloride, a toxic chemical used in the PVC plastics manufacturing process, causing a massive and ongoing mess and mitigation effort.

(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)