Officials Warn of Potential Explosion After Chemical Gas Leak Near Cincinnati

Officials Warn of Potential Explosion After Chemical Gas Leak Near Cincinnati
Image Via: NBC News

People within at least a half-mile radius of the event were ordered to evacuate due to concerns of an explosion following a toxic gas leak from a train tanker near Cincinnati.

Officials said on Tuesday night that around 210 homes in Whitewater Township, which is located close to the Kentucky state boundary and the city airport about 22 miles northwest of Cincinnati, were under evacuation orders. At a press conference, they said that other residents were advised to stay indoors.

During two press conferences, Chief Mike Siefke of the Little Miami Joint Fire and Rescue District stated that first responders were notified of colorless and odorless gas shooting from the tanker at the intersection of State Route 128 and U.S. Route 50 shortly after 1 p.m.

Styrene was identified by the authorities as the chemical, he claimed. It is employed in the manufacturing of fiberglass, rubber, plastic, and other structural materials.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that breathing in the chemical can irritate the respiratory system, give people headaches, and create disorientation.

According to the CDC, prolonged exposure has been linked to certain types of cancer, but it is not known to be a direct cause of death.

According to Siefke, there is a risk to the village located 22 miles northeast of Cincinnati since the rail car tank has been heating up and could explode if it continues. According to him, firefighters were putting water inside the container to try and stop its temperature from rising.

According to the fire chief, environmental officials were measuring parts-per-million in the town to try and ascertain the extent of the leak.

It’s possible that some individuals sought care for unidentified illnesses, but he said it was unclear how many people were treated or what specifically hurt them.

Read Also: Kentucky Couple’s Canceled Trip Leads to Unexpected $50,000 Jackpot

According to the district website, the Three Rivers Local School District, which includes the public schools in the area, canceled all Wednesday’s scheduled activities in addition to closing early on Tuesday.

Officials stated on Tuesday night that it was still unclear who owned the rail car and its contents. In a statement, a Central Railroad of Indiana representative stated that the company was assisting first responders.

The Ohio Department of Transportation reports that State Route 128 and U.S. Route 50, which connects drivers from coast to coast, were closed in both directions close to the scene.

Officials from Hamilton County and Whitewater Township stated that as they wait for feedback from environmental agencies, the situation is probably going to stay unchanged tonight.

“We are awaiting the partners involved in mitigating this to devise a plan,” stated Andrew Knapp, the director of communications for Hamilton County.

Reference

profile
With more than two years of expertise in news and analysis, Eileen Stewart is a seasoned reporter. Eileen is a respected voice in this field, well-known for her sharp reporting and insightful analysis. Her writing covers a wide range of subjects, from politics to culture and more.