MARION―In the early hours of this morning at 12:34 AM, the Marion Fire Department (MFD) was dispatched to the area of Scranton and Roma Streets in response to a hazardous materials leak from the bottom of a train tanker car.
Upon arrival, MFD crews found a moderate-sized leak from the plumbing of the tanker car carrying Phosphoric Acid. To ensure public safety, the area was immediately quarantined off, and two residences that were threatened were evacuated.
The Marion FD Hazardous Materials Team was called in, and efforts immediately began to not only stop the leak but to contain the liquid. The efforts were eventually successful after two MFD Hazardous Material Technicians and one CSX Technician used Level A suits to cap the leak.
MFD units, with assistance from the City Garage, used sand and excavated clean dirt from the area with shovels to contain the liquid to the immediate area. At this time, there is no threat to the public, but the area will be closed for multiple days for excavation and decontamination procedures.
A third-party company has been contacted to conduct the cleanup process, and the general public is advised to avoid the area. The leak was a liquid and is not a gas or vapor, and 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 affected train is currently stopped and may cause additional traffic inconveniences.
Marion Firefighters remain on the scene and will update the public with additional information as it becomes available.