Railcar Release; Cambridge, MA

Cambridge, MA | 1998-Jul-31

Initial Notification: The acid, which leaked from a train tanker car in a rail yard, sent a cloud of fumes into the air, forced the evacuation of two buildings, and shut down a highway. At least one man was taken to Somerville Hospital after, complaining of feeling ill. His condition was being evaluated. A crew member discovered the hydrochloric acid, leaking from a 6-inch gash in the bottom of the car, while making a routine inspection of the cars at 9:12 a.m. Cambridge fire officials first said the leak in the 66-thousand gallon white tanker car was caused by a train derailment. But when firefighters from the hazardous materials team got a close-up look, they determined that the tank split open because of a structural failure. The tanker contained several compartments, preventing its entire contents from spilling. Teams of hazardous materials specialists, dressed in plastic suits with hoods and face masks, took turns trying to secure a patch on the tanker. USCG district 1.