Source: https://www.insurancejournal.com, January 9, 2019
A derailed train spilled various chemicals including hydrochloric acid outside of a small Georgia town, prompting evacuations.
The director of the Jefferson County Emergency Management Agency, Jim Anderson, says a Norfolk Southern train derailed outside of Bartow Sunday night and spilled hydrochloric acid. It’s unclear how much was spilled. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the acid is a corrosive material that can cause respiratory and skin irritations.
Norfolk Southern says hydrogen peroxide was also released in the derailment. It says the several train cars were carrying chlorine and that chlorine odors and a cloud were reported in the area.
The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says it was safe for people to return to the city of Bartow and the surrounding area as of Monday morning. Bartow Mayor Robert Morris tells news outlets that about 280 people were affected by the evacuation. No injuries were reported in the derailment.
Bartow is about 150 miles (241 kilometers) east of Atlanta.