According to WRC-TV, multiple cars of the freight train derailed around 7 a.m. on Rhode Island Avenue. At least three cars leaked three separate chemicals, including hazardous material, WRC reported.
Sodium hydroxide, a highly corrosive chemical that can irritate and burn the skin and eyes, was one of the leaked substances. A non-hazardous calcium chloride solution and ethanol, which was later contained, also leaked from the train cars.
reported an underground gas line was also ruptured during the derailment. Gas has been turned off, and it is unclear how many people are affected by the closure.
A D.C. Department of Environment hazmat specialist told WRC that clean up could take a few days.
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