(The Associated Press circulated the following story on November 23.)
CORDOVA, Ala. — A train carrying hazardous materials suddenly derailed in the Cordova section of Walker County Saturday.
More than a dozen cars derailed from a freight train at about 2 p.m. Saturday. Several of the cars plunged to the bank of the Warrior River, and one carrying sodium hydroxide actually fell in the river.
No one was hurt, but as a precaution, all homes within a half-mile radius were evacuated.
“I think about it because we got a track across the river and one back here, but you can’t dwell on something like that, you just have to deal with it,” said evacuated resident Milton Gurganus. “If it happens, you don’t worry about it.”
About 25 to 30 homes were evacuated out of fear that at least one of the cars may have ruptured.
Sodium hydroxide can cause severe reactions in people. It’s especially volatile when it comes in to contact with water. After a thorough inspection of the submerged rail car, officials sounded the all clear.
“We got 17 trains total that derailed,” said Roger Wilson of Walker County 911. “We got one in the water that was carrying a residue of sodium hydroxide solution. The container is totally contained. It’s not got any kind of leak.”
The evacuation order was rescinded shortly before 6 p.m., but residents were slow to return. The area remained deserted for quite some time.
Officials from Norfolk Southern Railroad must now begin the process of cleaning up the train wreck. Only then will a cause be determined.