 Posted: Aug 4, 2013 9:54 PM by Tina Macias 
 
 Updated: Aug 5, 2013 10:39 AM 
 
 The train that derailed in Lawtell is leaking chemicals and at least one of two cars carrying a hazardous chemical, vinyl chrloride, is damaged. That's according to Gov. Bobby Jindal who flew into St. Landry Parish to speak about the situation a little after 9:30 p.m. tonight. US 190 near the accident site will be closed for at least two days as the situation is assessed. "Anytime you have chemicals leaking into the environment, that's a serious issue," Jindal said. The railroad company doesn't know what caused the derailment. We'll get that in the next 24 hours." Evacuees can receive more information at The Delta Grand Theater, 120 S. Market Street, Opelousas. Twenty-six of the 76 cars derailed this afternoon, and some of the derailed cars were carrying flammable materials including lube oil and vinyl chloride. "The cars that derailed include lube oil and other products. Company spokeswoman Raquel Espinoza said one of the railcars was leaking sodium hydroxide, which can cause injuries or even death if it is inhaled or touches the skin.
– With rail safety in the spotlight after last month's disaster in Canada, the derailment of a train carrying hazardous materials in Louisiana has rattled nerves but not caused any deaths or serious injuries. Around 100 homes were evacuated after at least 20 cars of a Union Pacific train went off the rails east of Baton Rouge, the AP reports. Two of the cars are leaking sodium hydroxide, which can be deadly if it is inhaled or touches the skin, but officials say air pollution detectors haven't picked up anything. Gov. Bobby Jindal flew into the area last night, reports KATC. "Anytime you have chemicals leaking into the environment, that's a serious issue," he told reporters. "Nobody knows the extent of the damage. We'll get that in the next 24 hours."