PAULSBORO, N.J. -
Emergency officials investigating the Paulsboro train derailment extended their evacuation order to encompass 100 additional homes Tuesday.
The announcement came during a 4 p.m. news conference that included members of the U.S. Coast Guard, the Environmental Department of Protection and local law enforcement members.
The evacuation order, which was scheduled to end Saturday, was also extended to Sunday.
A member of the EPA says the department says officials were being "very conservative in making decisions" to ensure the protection and safety of the public.
The latest air monitoring results have passed a threshold set by emergency officials. The U.S. Coast Guard says the increased levels are "very much adjacent to the incident."
Officials say they are working as quickly as possible to resolve the situation.
On Friday morning, an 84-car train derailed while crossing a bridge in Paulsboro. The derailment caused the leak of vinyl chloride, a hazardous material, into the creek below the bridge.
Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board remain on scene as they work to determine a cause of the derailment.
Meanwhile, residents tell FOX 29 they have become frustrated and confused about the evacuations and their safety.
The U.S. Coast Guard says vinyl chloride that leaked is still in the water. Officials say they are working to remove the remaining amount by Sunday.
Residents who have been displaced can go to a service center that has been set up at St. Michaels Mutual Club at 406 Memorial Avenue in Gibbstown. The service center is scheduled to be open all night for residents in need of assistance.
On Wednesday, officials say the center will open at 8 a.m. and will remain open until 8 p.m.
Residents are asked to bring a photo ID to the service center.
A shelter has also been established at Kings Way High School on Kings Highway. Residents in need of transportation can go to the Paulsboro Fire House.
In addition, officials say Conrail has secured another 100 hotel rooms for additional residents now included in the evacuation order.
A captain of the U.S. Coast Guard speaks to reporters about the updated evacuation order for Paulsboro residents Tuesday..
SkyFOX files over a neighborhood of Paulsboro as police officers notify residents of the extended evacuation order.
