La. - Technicians detonated a train tanker car full of hazardous acid Monday to ward off a more damaging explosion and evacuated about 200 more people living near the site of a weekend derailment. The Union Pacific Railroad tanker was one of 30 that derailed Saturday and one of several loaded with hazardous chemicals. It had yet to spring a leak, but heat from small fires still burning around the derailed rail cars could have raised the pressure inside the acrylic acid-filled tank, officials said.
Acrylic acid has vapors that can irritate the lungs, nose and throat.
Other chemicals on the train could cause dizziness, convulsions, lung irritation and even death if people came in contact with large amounts, officials said. Monday's evacuations, prompted by shifting winds, brought the total to about 2,000. Evacuees will not be allowed to return home until it is certain that the cars are safe, officials said. Railroad crews hoped to inspect the cars later Monday. Evacuees said they were told it could be days before they are allowed to return.