Louisiana Parish residents evacuated after train derailment leaks acid

Residents of a Louisiana parish were evacuated Wednesday after a train derailment caused an acid leak, officials said.

Louisiana State Police said crews were on site Wednesday afternoon assessing the derailment in St. James Parish, located about 50 miles west of New Orleans.

The derailment resulted in an acid leak and residents in the immediate area were evacuated, the St. James Parish government said.

The impacted wagon contained about 20,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid, according to Louisiana State Police.

“Hazardous materials crews, railroad personnel, church officials and others are assessing the extent of a leak on a railroad car,” Louisiana State Police said in a statement. “Crews will continue to monitor the leak with perimeter air monitoring.”

An “extended cleanup” is planned, police added.

All streets in the exclusion zone are closed, the St. James Parish Sheriff’s Office said.

“If you have elderly families who don’t have social media, please contact them and have them evacuated,” the sheriff’s office said on social media.

A shelter has been set up at a local senior center for those living in the evacuation zone.

Authorities have not said what caused the derailment or identified the railroad company involved.

“Further details will be released as information is confirmed by emergency response personnel,” Louisiana State Police said.