Four train cars crashed into a creek near the Deleware River after falling off a failed bridge in Paulsboro, New Jersey. All four train cars were carrying vinyl chloride a highly toxic and flammable substance, which leaked from at least one car into the creek. 71 patients went to the local hospital with respiratory issues and scratchy throats with 68 being discharged later, 3 still remained in stable condition. Nearby schools were placed on lockdown and areas were evacuated around the accident. Officals say that the air surrounding the wreck is being monitored and is safe.
Vinyl chloride is a chemical used to make plastic and vinyl products and according to the Environmental Protection Agency is a Group A human carcinogen. Just a short time exposure to this chemical in the air can result in central nervous system effects, such as dizziness, drowsiness, and headaches. Agencies are working to remove the wreckage and getting the rest of the material out of the train car with great caution. Luckily no one was severely injured in this incident, but this could have happened if people were around the area where the train cars derailed.
http://www.cnn.com/2012/11/30/us/new-jersey-train-derail/index.html?hpt=hp_bn1
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