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Freight Train Derails, Leaks Hazardous Chemical

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May 8, 2008 9:52 pm US/Eastern

Freight Train Derails, Leaks Hazardous Chemical

LAWRENCE, Mass. (WBZ) ―

Click to enlarge 1 of 3: According to the state fire marshal's office, two train cars overturned.
WBZ
Click to enlarge 2 of 3: It appears the last car on the train busted open during the derailment and spilled the sodium chlorate onto the tracks.
WBZ
Click to enlarge 3 of 3: WBZ

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A freight train derailed near Route 114 in Lawrence, causing delays in commuter rail service and forced a neighborhood to evacuate for a time.

According to the state fire marshal's office, two train cars overturned.

There are no reports of injuries, but a hazmat team was called to the scene for a sodium chlorate spill. Sodium chlorate is a hazardous bleaching agent commonly used in the manufacture of paper pulp and as a herbicide. It is not considered dangerous unless mixed with water.

The last car on the train busted open during the derailment and spilled the chemical onto the tracks.

Officials are concerned about the chemical leak because it happened close to the center of town and the Merrimack River.

Lawrence police evacuated a row of homes on Andover Street as a precaution.

MBTA buses were running between the Andover and Haverhill commuter rail stations because of the accident.

Crews continued to clean up the mess Thursday night. It it's unknown when residents will be allowed to return to their homes.