© 2006 The Associated Press
SALEM, Ill. — Dozens of people evacuated from their homes when a chemical-carrying train derailed were allowed to return early Friday after authorities determined nothing dangerous had leaked.
Canadian National spokesman Jim Kvedaras said two tanker cars that derailed contained phosphoric acid, a chemical often used in processing food and soft drinks. Direct contact with its liquid form can be hazardous, but it is not prone to vaporizing, said Illinois Emergency Management Agency spokeswoman Patti Thompson.
About 100 people living within a half-mile of the Southern Illinois derailment site were ordered to evacuate shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday. There were no immediate reports of injuries, and a hazardous materials emergency response team was sent in.
Kvedaras said residents were allowed to return just after 1 a.m. Friday.
"It's confirmed there is no leak, so cleanup can commence," he said.
Fifteen of the train's 139 cars derailed near Salem, a town of about 6,000 residents, 70 miles east of St. Louis. Kvedaras said it would take several days if not weeks to determine what caused the derailment.
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