Crews work to clear derailed train in Louisiana (VIDEO)

Railroad repair crews work to repair 1,800 feet of track after an eastbound train derailed just east of Lawtell, La.
Railroad repair crews work to repair 1,800 feet of track after an eastbound train derailed just east of Lawtell, La.

LAWTELL, La. (AP) - Crews began replacing about 1,800 feet of track on Monday around the site of a derailed train that leaked a corrosive chemical and forced the evacuation of about 100 south Louisiana homes.

The Union Pacific train went off the tracks Sunday near Lawtell, about 60 miles west of Baton Rouge. Company spokeswoman Raquel Espinoza said the cause is under investigation.

"That section of track had just been inspected about three hours before the accident," she said. "There's no timeline on when the area will be completely clear. We're just taking it one step at a time so we can clear the scene in the safest manner possible."

Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal declared a state of emergency Monday. Espinoza said one railcar leaked sodium hydroxide, which can cause injuries or even death if it's inhaled or touches the skin. Another spilled lube oil and a third leaked dodecanol.

The leaks were plugged early Monday.

Two people were on the train, an engineer and a conductor, at the time of the accident. Neither was hurt.

A man who was near the derailment was treated for a burning sensation in his eyes.

Espinoza said about 150 residents in an area 11⁄2 miles around the accident site are affected by the evacuation. She said it's unclear how long those families will be asked to remain out of their homes.

The company has made arrangements for affected residents to stay in hotels in the area.

Lt. Doug Cain, a spokesman for Louisiana State Police, said it likely will be late Monday or early Tuesday before crews finish replacing the damaged track.

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