Another USA hazchem rail pile-up

[randyrippley]

Freight train derails in Illinois prompting evacuation for residents

Authorities ordered residents within a mile to evacuate and prepare for a 'long-term evacuation', and to take medication and supplies with them.

www.dailymail.co.uk

extract

An Illinois town was forced to evacuate after a freight train derailed causing a leak from the cars.

The Canadian National Railway train derailed in the village of Matteson around 10:30 a.m., WGN-TV reported.

The railway company issued a statement about 1:30 p.m. saying that about 25 cars derailed.

There were no reports of fires or injuries although one car containing residue liquified petroleum gas leaked, the company said.

Authorities ordered residents within a mile to evacuate and prepare for a 'long-term evacuation', and to take medication and supplies with them.
Shortly after, the railway company said that the leak had been contained and the evacuation order was lifted except for properties immediately adjacent to the site.
Liquified petroleum gas is a colorless, odorless, flammable gas used as fuel for heating and cooking appliances.
Inhalation can cause drowsiness and respiratory irritation, according to the Chemscape website.
Long-term exposure can cause nerve damage, nosebleeds, weight loss and fatigue.
The gas is prone to oily residues that can be corrosive, according to The Analytical Scientist website.
Matteson spokesperson told the Chicago Tribune that responders had noticed a white powdery substance leaking from one of the cars.
Due to many of the cars carrying chemicals, officials ordered an evacuation as a precaution.
He told the outlet: 'It was very precautionary because we were dealing with something that we couldn’t take a chance on, given the recent reports of derailments and powdery substances that have led to fires.'
Footage captured of the scene shows the train cars piled up at the side of the track following the derailment.
The white powder in question can also be seen piled on top of the track after having fallen out of one of the cars.
Metra trains were halted through the area due to the evacuation order, but service on the Electric Line has since resumed.

Looks like there was an LPG leak, and also some white powder which hasn't been publicly identified

 

[FormerBritInMe]

LPG is Liquefied Petroleum Gas, most likely propane which is very common in the US for use in locations that don't have Natural Gas piped in, such as rural areas.
I wasn't aware that it was hazardous other than its flammability.

The white powder could be something innocuous. I would imagine if it was hazardous the car would have had a hazmat placard.

But they are just being careful here, and the LPG alone is probably reason to evacuate.

The line is also used by Metra Electric service to University Park as well as Amtrak service south to Champaign as well as the long distance City of New Orleans. I believe the freight tracks are separate from the passenger tracks in this area.