(The State posted the following article on its website on January 28.)
COLUMBIA, S.C. — A federal health agency is recommending trains carrying hazardous chemicals not travel through congested urban areas.
The recommendation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention came in a report assessing the Jan. 6 train crash in Graniteville. Chlorine gas released in the spill killed nine people and injured more than 500.
Additionally, the report said government agencies should consider public warning systems, such as sirens, to reduce injuries and deaths from chemical leaks that occur during transport.
Railroad companies have said it is difficult for trains to avoid urban areas.
Some of the CDC’s recommendations would require changes in federal law.