Train carrying toxic chemical derails in Washington

AFP , Sunday 1 May 2016

train derailed in Washington
Several cars remain overturned after a CSX freight train derailed in Washington on Sunday, May 1, 2016. (PHOTO: AP)

A train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed Sunday in Washington, disrupting train services and forcing streets to be closed off, but there were no reports of injuries.

One of the 14 derailed cars from the train started leaking sodium hydroxide, a corrosive material used to make soap, paper and detergents, but the leak was later plugged, local media said.

A nearby subway station was shut down, and train services from Washington to Chicago were suspended, Mayor Muriel Bowser said.

Several of the derailed cars ended up on their sides, at sharp angles to each other.

Crews began working to clean up the spilled chemical. It was not immediately clear how much leaked.

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