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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.
Hamilton County's Emergency Management Agency advised anyone
within a half-mile (about 800 meters) of the area near U.S.
Route 50 and the Great Miami River, west of Cincinnati, to leave
immediately. Residents just outside the evacuation area were
told to stay inside and keep their windows closed.
The area has a mix of businesses, homes and large swaths of
undeveloped land.
Three school buildings were evacuated and all after school
events were canceled, said Lisa Whiteley, a spokesperson for the
Three Rivers Local School District.
Tom Ciuba, a spokesperson for Central Railroad of Indiana, said
it was notified Tuesday afternoon about a railcar near Cleves
that was venting styrene. He said firefighters were at the site
and environmental response agencies were mobilized.
Last year a train derailment on the opposite side of Ohio in
East Palestine, about 300 miles (480 kilometers) northeast of
Cincinnati, caused hazardous chemicals to leak and burn for
days. The February 2023 derailment near the Ohio-Pennsylvania
state line led to new safety rules and increased scrutiny of the
rail industry and federal regulators.
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