Three freight trains collided in Valparaiso, Indiana, on January 6, 2012, spilling hazardous chemicals and injuring two crew members, reports the Chicago Tribune.
Fortunately, the two injured crew members were hospitalized but did not sustain life-threatening injuries. Back on the scene, emergency responders were left to handle the freight trains, which had burst into flames.
The westbound train, comprised of two engines and 77 cars, was hauling empty ethanol tankers. Another westbound train rear-ended the first before a third train struck the other two and caused flames to erupt, reports the source.
Ethanol spilled from the train, and fumes permeated from the wreckage. Cleanup crews were set to resolve the chemical spill after the fire was put out.
Hazmat crews may want to use absorbent devices in sensitive situations like the one in Valparaiso. XSORB Acid Neutralizing Absorbent Bags may help quickly contain and remove caustic spills from sensitive areas. The XSORB Acid Neutralizing Absorbent Bag is a high-quality formula that turns any liquid spill into a dry substance, which can be swept up and disposed of naturally, making the entire cleanup process easy to handle.
