Chemical Leak on Train Car

By Justin Foss, Reporter

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By Justin Foss

Story Created: Sep 24, 2007 at 8:33 PM CST

Story Updated: Sep 24, 2007 at 8:33 PM CST

The scene is safe now on the railroad tracks on the North side of Oskaloosa.

That's only after a white train car forced hundreds of people from home, work and school.

"Police came to my door and said we need to evacuate, there's been a chemical spill from one of the box cars, and to get out," said Karen Breuklander.

Union Pacific officials say someone noticed a black cloud escaping from the top of the car at the crossing on G Avenue West. That happened at 10:24 a.m. Monday. They said not much acid came out, and no one was hurt.

Yet police still ordered the evacuation.

"I was ready to go. I had organic chemistry in college, I know what hydro-chloric acid does, I wasn't going to stick around," said Danielle McGowan.

Hydro-chloric acid has a variety of uses, including cleaning metal and masonry.

"It burns everything, as far as I know," said McGowan. "It burned my clothes in chemistry so I know it's bad."

Witnesses say a pipe on top of the car might be to blame. Union Pacific officials are investigating. They said they want to make sure it never happens again. Adding, incidents like this are a rare
occurrence.

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