This morning at 0321hrs the Marion Fire Department was dispatched to the area of Scranton and Roma Streets reference a hazardous materials leak from the bottom of a train tanker car.
Upon arrival crews found a moderate sized leak from the plumbing of the tanker car carrying Phosphoric Acid. The area was immediately quarantined off and any homes that were threatened were evacuated (2 residences).
The Marion FD Hazardous Materials Team was called in and effort’s immediately began to not only stop the leak but to contain the liquid. Efforts were eventually successful after 2 MFD Hazardous Material Technicians and 1 CSX Technician used Level A suits to cap the leak.
With assistance from the City Garage, MFD units used sand and excavated clean dirt from the area with shovels to contain the liquid to the immediate area.
There is no threat to the public at this time, but the area will be closed for multiple days for excavation and decontamination procedures. A third party company has been contacted to conduct the clean up process and the general public should avoid the area.
The leak was a liquid and is not a gas or vapor and therefor there was never a large scale threat to the public. Phosphoric Acid is not overly reactive or flammable and the main concern is burns to exposed skin. Since the area is still an active scene, please avoid the area of Scranton Ave between Thompson and Roma. The effected train is stopped currently and may cause additional traffic inconveniences.
Marion Firefighters remain on scene and will update this post with additional information as it becomes available.