Around midnight of July 1^st into July 2^nd, a CSX freight train carrying toxic chemicals derailed and caught fire in Maryville, Tennessee. The train was carrying liquid petroleum (propane) and a chemical called acrylonitrile, which is used to manufacture plastics.

The derailment and ensuing fire had emergency responders racing to the scene. Firefighters were on hand to deal with the blaze, but are merely controlling the fire to burn off the toxic chemicals as opposed to trying to douse it. While no one was killed, seven firefighters were taken to the hospital after breathing fumes, and 22 first responders are undergoing decontamination.

The train that derailed had two locomotives and 57 cars, of which 27 are loaded with acrylonitrile. The chemical, also known as vinyl cyanide, is listed as a probable human carcinogen by the Environmental Protection Agency and produces vapors that explode when exposed to an open flame.

Emergency responders have created a 2-mile evacuation zone around the accident, displacing over 5,000 residents and workers. CSX, the company responsible, has staffed and established an outreach center at nearby Heritage High School. According to the company, they are offering assistance, including housing, to displaced residents.

CSX’s statement is that, “Around midnight, a train en route from Cincinnati, Ohio, to Waycross, Ga., derailed the single tank car loaded with acrylonitrile, a hazardous material used in a variety of industrial processes including the manufacture of plastics. The substance is flammable and presents an inhalation risk.”

The National Transportation Safety Board is considering investigating the incident. The Federal Railroad Administration is already at the scene of the accident and will begin an investigation as soon as it is safe to do so.

The chemical spill could have further ramifications; according to the Knoxville News Sentinel, 10 officers involved with evacuation efforts were exposed to the substance, and some residents have been warned to avoid using well water until further notice.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the first responders who were affected, and with the families that have been displaced by this unfortunate and potentially devastating accident. We are grateful that no one has yet been seriously injured.