MARYVILLE, Tennessee — CSX is working with first responders and relief agencies in Maryville, Tenn., following the derailment of a tank car that is on fire. CSX personnel are on hand at an Outreach Center that has been established at Heritage High School. Displaced residents are being offered assistance, including lodging.
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. First responders have ordered an evacuation of residences and businesses in a two-mile radius.
At least three cars of the train derailed and one containing a highly toxic and flammable gas caught fire. Dispatch told Local 8 News there were no passengers on the train and that it was a freight car.
About 5,000 people were evacuated from a one mile radius around the crash site. It could be 24 – 48 hours until they are allowed back. They are being kept at Heritage High School.
CSX, the rail line involved, is offering giftcards and reimbursements for hotels to those who were evacuated.
The YMCA is opening all Y’s in East Tennessee to evacuees, providing shelter, showers and refreshments.
The train consists of two locomotives and 57 cars, including 45 loaded cars and 12 empty cars. Cars of acrylonitrile are located on either side of the burning rail car. No crude oil is among the rail cars. A total of 27 cars in the train are carrying hazardous materials.
IMAGE: MICHAEL PATRICK/KNOXVILLE NEWS SENTINEL/ASSOCIATED PRESS
