Newton Falls, Ohio-Some 200 residents in an eight-block area were evacuated from their homes for more than eight hours while crews assessed the danger of an anhydrous ammonia release as the result of 14 cars derailing on an 111-car CSX Transportation train here last Monday (March 28). “We were dealing with hazmat tankers as well as other hazardous material,” NF Joint Fire District Chief Richard Bauman told Green Markets. “None of the tankers, thank goodness, were involved in the derailment.” There were no details released by CSX and Bauman didn’t know the exact number, but he said a few of the tankers carried anhydrous ammonia. The CSX release stated that there were no injuries, no leaks and no loaded chemical cars among those derailed. Hazmat crews in fully encapsulated suits used a four-wheel Gator vehicle to inspect the cars for leaks. The ground searching parties were assisted by a helicopter from the Ohio State Patrol. The Newton Falls community center was set up for the evacuated families, but only 15 of the 200, including two children and 13 adults, gathered at that location. “The others probably went to stay with family members,” Bauman suggested. By Tuesday the derailed cars had been removed to a nearby parking lot. CSX said the track was cleared and placed back in service Tuesday at noon. An investigation is underway, but it is likely to take several days before a cause is established. The train was en route from Willard, Ohio, to Cumberland, Md.
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