(The Associated Press circulated the following article on March 15.)
DU QUOIN, Ill. — Dozens of homes have been evacuated in southern Illinois after a train carrying sulfuric acid derailed in Perry County.
The derailment happened early this morning about a mile north of the Du Quoin (doo-KOYN’) city limits.
A spokesman for Canadian National railroad says three cars and a tanker left the tracks.
One of the train cars was carrying sulfuric acid, but the railroad says there’s no leak involved.
Homes were evacuated in a half mile radius of the derailment as a precaution. And evacuees are staying at the American Legion Post in Du Quoin.
Sulfuric acid is a chemical that can burn skin and trigger asthma attacks.