Bethel Train Derailment; Bethel, NC

Bethel, NC | 2000-Feb-01

Initial Notification: At 1045 EST on February 1 a cargo train derailed near Bethel, North Carolina. Fourteen cars, some containing hazardous materials, jumped the tracks near Grindle Creek, a tributary of the Tar river. Fire broke out at two locations at the derailed cars, and nearby residents were evacuated. The Coast Guard assumed the OSC responsibility until EPA could come on scene. NOAA SSC Gary Ott was notified and came on scene. Four chemicals were identified as potentially spilled: Phosphoric acid, ethylene glycol, plastic resins, and dichloropropene. NOAA's scientific support team provided the Coast Guard information on the weather, the potential hazard of each chemical, and the hazards resulting from the reaction of these chemicals if they spill and mix together. Resources at risk in the derailment area was also provided. By 20:00 February 2 all the fire were extinguished, residents were allowed to come back to their homes, and the tracks are being repaired, to be reopen soon. An estimated 30,000 gallon of ethylene glycol spilled from one of the tank car, with an additional unknown amount of the same material spilled from another tank car that was breached at the top. No other spills were reported. EPA assumes the OSC role at this time. USCG district 5.