A dangerous chemical leak from a rail yard in Whitewater Township, Ohio, led to evacuations as officials feared an explosion from the highly flammable styrene.
Kevin Williams and Jill Cowan report for The New York Times.
In short:
- A leaking train car released styrene, a chemical used in plastic production, prompting evacuations near Cincinnati.
- Emergency responders cooled the leak with water to prevent an explosion; no injuries were reported, but road closures and disruptions persist.
- The incident drew comparisons to last year's East Palestine derailment, raising concerns about long-term contamination.
Key quote:
“I tasted and smelled it. It was burning my throat and eyes.”
— Marcus Greer, Hooven resident
Why this matters:
Not only is styrene highly flammable, but breathing in the fumes can irritate your respiratory system, eyes, and even mess with your nervous system. Chemical spills like this threaten both the environment and public health, especially in small communities with fewer resources to handle long-term fallout. Read more: After the eighth catastrophic train derailment in the greater Pittsburgh area in five years, advocates demand better protections.
