Sample of sodium hydroxide as pellets. (File photo)
SAN ANTONIO, US: Up to 1,000 gallons of sodium hydroxide has possibly spilled from train cars that derailed near Southwest Side of San Antonio, Texas, causing authorities to temporarily evacuate the area.
The Bexar County Sheriff's Department responded, when the train was derailed at the intersection of Fischer and Quintana Road.
Bexar County Sheriff spokesperson Monica Ramos said the sodium hydroxide did not cause any fumes or residue in the area. Sodium hydroxide is only dangerous once people touch the chemical.
Two men were in the tugger train car, when it overturned resulting in minor injuries. The men were treated on scene before being released, said Ramos. As a precaution, authorities temporarily evacuated Trader's Village.
"Once the team on sight realized the spill was very minimal and that the substance itself did not pose any immediate threat, that evacuation was cancelled," Ramos said.
The train is privately owned by University and Schumberger, was derailed on land owned by Schumberger.
"Currently, we have an environmental group on scene, is remediating it and taking care of the spill itself," Ramos said. "At no time was there any danger or anything like that."
Ramos said authorities are investigating the cause of the derailment.
© The Associated Press News