Emergency officials are ordering residents in parts of Whitewater Township to immediately evacuate after a "dangerous chemical leak" in a railyard.
According to the Hamilton County Emergency Management & Homeland Security Agency, the chemical leak impacts a half-mile radius around a railyard near the intersection of US-50, OH-128 and Valley Junction Road.
Everyone in that half-mile radius should "leave the area immediately," according to Hamilton County EMA.
LEAVE THE AREA IMMEDIATELY within a half mile radius of the railyard by US 50, OH 128, and Valley Junction Road, near the Kroger at 4001 Hamilton Cleves Road due to dangerous chemical leak. https://t.co/WFk3sa208M
— Hamilton County EMA (@HCEMA) September 24, 2024
Hamilton County officials have confirmed that an open valve on a train car is releasing styrene gas, which is traditionally used to manufacture plastics, synthetic rubber, resins, and as an insulator. The colorless gas is toxic and highly flammable, with the potential for serious health impacts, including eye, skin and airway irritation, according to the National Library of Medicine.
Hamilton County EMA has urged local residents to evacuate the area and seal off their homes.
"IMMEDIATELY GO INDOORS and stay inside until further notice. Close and seal off doors & windows, close fireplace dampers, and turn off heat," Hamilton County EMA wrote on X at 2 p.m.
The county announced in a 5 p.m. press release that first responders are on scene "monitoring the situation" and that it could be "some time" before residents are allowed back in the area. A shelter has been opened for the public at the Whitewater Community Center at 6125 Dry Fork Road.
Three Rivers Local School District has informed parents that students and staff have begun to evacuate.
This is a developing story. CityBeat may add new information as it becomes available.
This is a developing story. CityBeat may add new information as it becomes available.
