According to Lynn Fisher, Emergency Management Director, authorities received a 911 call at 4:34 p.m. that stated a train had derailed at Farmer’s Hill Road and S. Norton Street.
Fisher said 17 train cars were involved in derailment.
After receiving the call and learning volatile chemicals were involved, Liberty firefighters began evacuating the immediate area.
Authorities then notified residents within a 1-mile area by reverse 911 call and ordered them to evacuate.
Fisher said at least one train car was carrying ibupropnal, a highly flammable and volatile alcohol based liquid.
“The public safety of our ciziens and our first responders is our number concern,” he said. “We have leakage.”
Fisher said that he was not aware of any injuries resulting from the derailment.
Agencies responding to the scene include the Liberty Fire Department, Pickens County Sheriff’s Office, County HAZMAT Team, all four rescue squads and Clemson University Fire Department. Other fire departments are standing by to offer mutual aid.
Norfolk Southern has arrived at the scene, and further briefings are expected.
The county HAZMAT team is trying to keep the chemicals from reaching the local water shed by placing big booms that are smaller but similar to the ones being used to respond to the Gulf oil spill.
Check back with www.theeasleyprogress.com for further updates.
Post a Comment
