Nearly 200,000 pounds of molten sulfur leaking from a derailed Norfolk Southern train car threaten a wetland area that empties into the Little Elkhart River. As of right now, officials say the impact on waterways appears to be minimal.
Around 4:40 a.m. 21 cars of the 59-car train derailed in the area of 1100 West 900 North, northwest of Ligonier. There were no injuries. The cause of the derailment is still under investigation.
Dave Pigeon, Norfolk Southern spokesman at the scene, told WSBT the eastbound train left Elkhart en route to Bellevue, Ohio.
Right now, state environmentalists are working to limit the potential damage."Eleven of the derailed rail cars contained commodities classified as hazardous materials," according to a news release from Norfolk Southern. "Ten cars contained molten sulfur (used for making plastics, dyes, detergents, pharmaceutical products, fertilizer) and one car contained toluene (used to make paint, paint thinner, fingernail polish, rubber). None of the toluene appears to be leaking."
The molten sulfur that leaked out of the cars caught on fire shortly after the derailment. Michael Newton, Noble County Emergency Management director, told WSBT the big focus is the possibility of chemicals leaking into the marsh and from there into the river, not so much the fire. Officials are letting it burn itself out because putting water on it would cause the chemicals to leak out more than they are.
As of noon Wednesday, the fire is contained but not yet out. Crews are working to contain hot spots by putting dirt on top.
Crews have also set up at least two booms to try and stop any possible leakage into the river.
Officials say Norfolk Southern hired environmental contractors. They've been taking air quality and water samples to make sure people aren't in danger -- those samples are being tested now.
They believe there was little chemical impact on water in Little Elkhart River because it has been contained. Officials said if anything spilled into the water, it was minimal at most, and that it's already at the bottom and won't be a problem.
Officials told WSBT it was recommended to six families that they evacuate the area, which is predominantly rural. In fact, officials are asking everyone to stay away from the area of the derailment -- cars and trucks are being rerouted.
As samples from air and water come back, they might ask more people to take caution.
Crews say they will be there until at least Wednesday afternoon.
The derailment stopped about 400 Amtrak passengers from getting to Chicago for a while. They were stuck in Ohio for about three hours before getting started again.
Some were picked up by a bus. Others got onto another train and took a detour through Michigan.
Norfolk Southern is rerouting trains that normally use this rail line in coordination with other carriers.
Stay with WSBT for updates on air and online of this developing story.