Derailed Train -- Carrying Flammable, Corrosive Material -- Prompts Evacuation of 50 Homes

Story by the Associated Press; curated by Dave Urbanski

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

(Credit: 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 about 3:30 p.m. Sunday in Latwell, which is about 60 miles west of Baton Rouge.

Gov. Bobby Jindal was expected to talk to reporters Sunday night.

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

Traffic was being diverted away from the evacuation zone. Moreau says it's not clear how long the evacuation will last.

Here's a report from WAFB-TV:

WAFB 9 News Baton Rouge, Louisiana News, Weather, Sports

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