Hazardous Chemicals Force Evacuation
of Neighborhood

GRANITEVILLE, S.C.
Eight people have died and 200 injured from exposure to chlorine gas which leaked from train car after a freight train accident. One freight train was parked and another was accidentally diverted onto the wrong track.

All residents in a one mile radius were evacuated, 5,400 people. The gas was visible and had a strong odor that caused resident eye irritation, respiratory distress and skin irritation.

Two local schools were used as decontamination units. The gas which is potentially fatal causes damage to the respiratory system as well as central nervous system.

NIHAP has included this story as trains are a potential target in releasing toxic industrial chemicals. Additionally, as discussed in our on-line learning program, schools are considered a resource for all kinds of community emergency plans.