Hazardous chemical leaked from train derailment in Washington, DC

Emergency personnel work the scene of a CSX freight train derailment that spilled hazardous material Sunday, May 1, 2016, in Washington, D.C. The Capitol is seen in the background.
Emergency personnel work the scene of a CSX freight train derailment that spilled hazardous material Sunday, May 1, 2016, in Washington, D.C. The Capitol is seen in the background.

WASHINGTON — A CSX freight train derailment sent about 10 cars off the tracks and spilled hazardous material from one of them Sunday morning near a Metro stop in Washington, D.C., officials said.

No injuries were reported and no evacuations were ordered.

The train derailed Sunday about 6:40 a.m. near the Rhode Island Avenue Metro station, and one of the derailed cars leaked sodium hydroxide, which is used to produce various household products, including soap and detergents, CSX spokesman Kristin Seay said.

Sodium hydroxide, also known as corrosive lye, is a chemical that can irritate and burn the skin and eyes. CSX officials said they are working with first responders to contain the chemical. Mayor Muriel Bowser said at a news conference that the leak was contained, but officials were not sure how much spilled.

It was not immediately clear what caused the derailment. Crews were inspecting the tracks, which are used by CSX, the MARC commuter rail system and Amtrak, and working to restore service.

Part of Rhode Island Avenue was closed in both directions. The Red Line's Rhode Island Station was also closed, and Metro was reporting delays along that line. Metro officials said they would establish bus shuttle service between the NoMa and Brookland stations.

The CSX train had three locomotives and 175 cars, including 94 that were loaded with mixed freight and 81 that were empty.

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