Evacuation order remains in effect for Ohio town where dangerous chemical leak occurred
The Associated Press
A sheriff’s vehicle blocks a road closure at U.S. Route 50 and Ohio State Route 128 in Whitewater Township near Cleves, Ohio, due to chemical leak from a railcar Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. (Frank Bowen IV/The Cincinnati Enquirer via AP)
WHITEWATER TOWNSHIP, Ohio (AP) — An evacuation order remains in effect for residents in an Ohio community as crews work at the scene of a dangerous chemical leak.
Styrene, a toxic and flammable chemical that is used to make plastic and rubber, began leaking Tuesday afternoon from a railcar in Whitewater Township, just west of Cincinnati. The Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency soon advised anyone within a half-mile of the area near U.S. Route 50 and the Great Miami River to leave immediately.
Authorities said Wednesday that crews worked overnight to put water on the car, but it hadn’t been removed from the tracks. It isn’t clear when the evacuation order might be lifted.
Students in school buildings and residents in neighboring homes were told to evacuate after a dangerous chemical began leaking from a railcar Tuesday near Cincinnati. Authorities said a pressure release valve on it was leaking styrene, a toxic and flammable chemical that is used to make plastic and rubber. It can cause headaches, nausea and respiratory issues, and long-term exposure can lead to more serious health problems including organ damage. (AP Video)
