A freight train derailed in New Jersey, officials said, with around a dozen rail cars seen off the tracks and some having rolled onto the side.
The derailment occurred just after 3 p.m. near Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen, though it wasn't immediately clear what may have caused it. In a statement, freight company CSX said 13 of the cars had derailed; the public safety commissioner for North Bergen said 11 cars had derailed, seven of which were tilted or overturned, while another four were still upright.
North Hudson Regional Fire & Rescue confirmed they were at the scene and had started an investigation. First responders from North Bergen and Jersey City also were at the scene.
No injuries were reported, according to officials.
"Our primary focus is on the safety of onsite personnel, the surrounding community, and the environment," CSX said in a statement, adding that crews were working to "clean up the impacted site."
It was unclear what the freight train had been transporting at the time of the derailment. CSX said that firefighters were wetting down a tanker seen on its side "as a precaution."
Gov. Mikie Sherrill said she had been briefed on the matter and that state officials were ready to help if needed. North Bergen Mayor Nick Sacco said in a statement that ethyl acetate had spilled from one of the rail cars.
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"Our Hazmat teams are currently working to safely mitigate the situation by diluting it with large amounts of water," the statement read. Sacco added that there was "no confirmed danger" to the public.
The North Bergen public safety commissioner said there were three chemicals they were concerned about, but only the ethyl acetate had been leaking.
Known for having fruity odor, ethyl acetate is a flammable liquid used to make glues, nail polish remover and in the process to make decaf coffee and tea, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.
The chemical can affect people when it is breathed in or passes through skin. It can lead to irritated skin, eyes, nose and throat, the Health Department said, with exposure at high levels leaving people feeling dizzy, lightheaded and possibly passing out.
However, a spokesperson for CSX denied any leaks or spills had occurred, saying the mayor's information was "not accurate." The spokesperson said there were "no hazmat leaks or spills."
Nearby Route 3 remained closed near Tonnelle Avenue, said Sacco. Tonnelle Avenue remained open to traffic.
The Gateway Development Corporation (GDC) said in a statement that it was "grateful" to first responders at the scene, but added the incident "is not related to the Hudson Tunnel Project, and it has not impacted construction activities."
GDC said their safety team was aware of the derailment and would continue to monitor the situation. The investigation into the derailment was ongoing.
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/new-jersey/freight-train-derails-new-jer...
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