1 May, 2016 11:15

Train derails in DC, leaks hazardous material (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

The DC fire service has issued a warning about a derailed train on the city's Rhode Island Avenue.

A number of wagons have left the track and there are no reports of any fires.

However, a substance identified by emergency responders as sodium hydroxide is leaking from one of the cars.

Train Derailment - Rhode Island Ave NE - CSX train w/ multiple cars derailed & leaking hazardous materials #DCFD
— DC Fire Fighters L36 (@IAFF36) May 1, 2016

So far -- only one confirmed derailed car is leaking - & it is leaking sodium hydroxide - NO EVACUATIONS. pic.twitter.com/VcEysBOjmy
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) May 1, 2016

pic.twitter.com/c1HLfEb3KP
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) May 1, 2016

ADVISORY: Rhode Island Ave, NE, CLOSED btwn 10th and 4th Streets, fire dept. activity #DCtraffic pic.twitter.com/8Z0MlIC7RJ
— WTOP Traffic (@WTOPtraffic) May 1, 2016

Hazmat fire trucks have arrived at the scene, while the area is being isolated.

As a precaution, Rhode Island Metro and Rhode Island Avenue have been shut down. The train was being run by the CSX transportation company.

CSX train derailment NE, DC - Hazmat situation - Rhode Island Ave shutdown in area - AVOID area pic.twitter.com/pZt5OJTaOy
— DC Fire and EMS (@dcfireems) May 1, 2016

Red Line: Rhode Island Station is temporarily closed due to fire dept activity near the station. Bus shuttles being established.
— Metrorail Info (@Metrorailinfo) May 1, 2016

CSX personnel are working with DC first responders on a derailment at 9th and RI Ave NE. No injuries reported. More info to come.
— CSX (@CSX) May 1, 2016

One witness has tweeted a picture from the scene, showing at least two of the freight train’s carriages have fallen off the track.

“I was asleep when I heard a loud noise, then my apartment started to shake,” local resident Madison Johnson told RT.

pic.twitter.com/1J9WOssdYG
— Madison Johnson (@MadisonMJohnson) May 1, 2016

Johnson said he believes petrol may have leaked from the train.

“I honestly was nervous about having a gas spill so close to the apartment. Emergency personnel are here. I was instructed back into my apartment when I went to outside to look.”