(The Associated Press circulated the following article on May 31.)
BATON ROUGE, La. — Several blocks in downtown Baton Rouge were evacuated when a Canadian National train derailed, but no one was injured and no pollutants were released.
Tourists visiting the USS Kidd Veterans Memorial and Museum and the Louisiana Arts and Science Museum had to leave yesterday, along with about 500 participants in the River Center’s ABC bowling championship.
That after at least eight cars derailed partially. Four of the cars were carrying propylene oxide — a volatile, flammable gas with a sweet odor that can cause severe skin irritation and burns.
Baton Rouge Fire Department spokesman Robert Combs says authorities blocked off several blocks in the area. He did not know how long the area would remain off limits.
Canadian National spokesman Jim Kvedaras said investigators from the railroad have yet to determine what caused the derailment. And, he says getting the train back on track is priority, but may not occur until later today and could take several hours because the accident occurred in a tourist location. He says crews will want to be more careful in the area so they can minimize damage.
Kvedaras says the railroad will pay for any damage, including a busted fountain.