SkyFOX flies over the scene of a major train derailment and bridge collapse in Paulsboro, N.J.
SkyFOX flies over the scene of a major train derailment and bridge collapse in Paulsboro, N.J.
PAULSBORO, N.J. -
FOX 29 News is told that the U.S. Coast Guard is on the scene of a train derailment where highly-toxic vinyl chloride is reported to be leaking.
The bridge collapsed, sending three train cars into the Mantua Creek, and one is reported to be leaking the vinyl chloride, which is reported to be highly toxic and flammable.
It's possible the gas may account for the fog that was seen in the area after the derailment.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), a federal public health agency of the U.S. Department of Health, previously published this public health statement on the substance.
That document says vinyl chloride, at room temperature, it is a colorless gas that burns easily and it is not stable at high temperatures. It exists in liquid form if kept under high pressure or at low temperatures.
Vinyl chloride has a mild, sweet odor, which may become noticeable at some levels in the air. However, the odor is of little value in preventing excess exposure.
It's a manufactured substance that does not occur naturally.
Most of the vinyl chloride produced in the U.S. winds up in polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is used to make a variety of plastic products including pipes, wire and cable coatings, and packaging materials. Other uses include furniture and automobile upholstery, wall coverings, housewares, and automotive parts.
The ATSDR reports that, at one time, vinyl chloride was used as a coolant, as a propellant in spray cans, and in some cosmetics. However, since the mid-1970s, vinyl chloride mostly has been used in the manufacture of PVC.
Underwood Memorial Hospital says 18 people are reportedly having breathing difficulties. Four are being treated at that hospital.
Due to the derailment, all Paulsboro students should report to the Gibbstown campus this morning.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 10:14 PM EDT2013-06-20 02:14:32 GMT
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
At approximately 2:45pm Wednesday afternoon, a bank robbery occurred at the National Penn Bank on E. High Street in Pottstown, PA. Police have captured three of the fours suspects so far.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:19 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:19:58 GMT
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Breaking news in North Philadelphia on the 2300 block of North Tenth Street, where three people, including a pregnant woman, were shot. This happened just before four this afternoon.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:11:57 GMT
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
If you hated going to traffic court in Philadelphia, you won't have to anymore! Today, Governor Tom Corbett signed a bill abolishing traffic court,effective immediately.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:57 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:57:28 GMT
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
A main line mascot gets the boot. At issue: cultural sensitivity.It's an issue that's been playing out on athletic fields all over America: re-thinking team names and the mascots that go with them.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:47 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:47:02 GMT
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
City administration officials came before a City Council committee with orders not to talk about the building collapse, but that didn't stop council members from raising questions.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:06 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:06:59 GMT
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
Six of the people accused in one of the largest public corruption cases in our area's history plead guilty today in court. 18 people total are accused of bilking the Bensalem school district.
