Train Leaks Hazardous Substance Across Iowa
No Injuries Reported
http://www.theiowachannel.com/news/3897930/detail.html
POSTED: 11:56 am CST November 7, 2004
BOONE, Iowa -- A freight train leaked phosphoric acid across central Iowa early Sunday morning, causing spills of the dangerous substance in towns like Marshalltown and Boone.
Des Moines hazardous materials crews were dispatched early Sunday morning to help clean up the tracks where the acid leaked. No injuries were reported. The train was headed westbound and was stopped in Council Bluffs when the leak was discovered.
Phosphoric acid is a clear, syrupy liquid which is corrosive and can cause burns if touched or inhaled. Hazardous materials crews say the amount of liquid on the ground varied with the speed of the train, but in some places was as much as one-quarter inch thick.