| id | cleanReleaseDate | troopName | title |
| 7557 | 2008-05-19 | Troop I | Train Derailment in Lafayette involves Hazardous Materials - Update |
Colonel Michael D. Edmonson, Superintendent
May 19, 2008 / 8:00 AM Update Train Derailment in Lafayette involves Hazardous Materials Shortly after 2:00 AM this morning, Lafayette Police Department requested assistance with a train derailment, involving hazardous materials, near the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) rail yard. The integrity of two of the hazardous materials cars were compromised and leaking hydrochloric acid. For the public’s safety, Scott Police Department has evacuated all areas west of Ambassador Caffery to Westgate Road and south to Dulles Road (within a one-half mile radius). The Ambassador Caffery exit ramp at I-10 eastbound is closed until further notice. Air traffic is not permitted within a one-mile radius, with a ceiling of 2000 feet. Currently, I-10 is open to all traffic. However, due to potential changes in wind speed/direction or other mitigating circumstances, I-10 could be closed partially or entirely. If this should occur, Louisiana State Police, Lafayette Police Department, Lafayette Parish Sheriff’s Office, Scott Police Department, Carencro Police Department and Lafayette Fire Department are prepared to take immediate action. Louisiana State Police Hazardous Materials Unit is currently coordinating with BNSF Railroad, LA DEQ and all local agencies to contain this situation. There were no injuries reported due to this incident. Acadian Ambulance is standing-by in the event medical treatment is necessary. Any significant updates will be forwarded as necessary. May 18, 2008 / 12:00 pm Update At Approximately 7:30 pm yesterday evening Louisiana State Police and DOTD closed I-10 in both directions at Ambassador Caffey Parkway. This closer was due to the uprighting of one of the derailed train cars. I-10 was re-opened at 9:09 pm. LSP Hazmat says that clean up is moving quickly and on track. The one mile evacuation radius is still in effect and road closer will also remain in effect. Red Cross Officials say the Carencro High School shelter was closed at 9:00 pm last night and all forty to fifty families were put up in hotels for the night. LSP Hazmat will be forwarding new information as it becomes available. May 18, 2008 / 6:30 pm Update At 6:30 pm this evening, Louisiana State Police and local agencies reduced the evacuated area to a radius of 1000 feet. This new reduced radius will allow all residents to return their home. Ambassador Caffery Parkway north and south of Walker street and Walker street east and west of the Ambassador Caffery Parkway Bridge remains in the 1000 feet radius and remains closed. The Louisiana State Police Hazardous Materials Unit says the clean up process will be ongoing during the night. May 19, 2008 / 8:00 am Update At 7:30 am this morning, LA DEQ advised Louisiana State police the evacuation radius of 1000-feet can now be reduced to a 200- feet radius from the derailment site. The 200-foot radius is located under the Ambassador Caffery Bridge and Walker Road from Saul road west to the Ambassador Caffery Bridge. Ambassador Caffery Bridge will remain closed until DOTD can safely inspect the integrity of the bridge. We will have further updates as information becomes available. I-10 and Cameron St. (US90) is open to all traffic. | |||
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