US train carrying hydrochloric acid, potassium hydroxide, asphalt derails in Iowa

HOUSTON (ICIS)–A Union Pacific train that derailed on Sunday in the US state of Iowa was carrying hydrochloric acid, potassium hydroxide and asphalt, railroad officials said on Monday.

A Union Pacific spokesperson said the cause of the derailment, which involved about 47 railcars, is still being investigated.

One of the cars had previously carried liquid ammonia nitrate. The spokesperson said the rail car was empty at the time of the derailment, but there was likely residue inside the car.

The spokesperson said Union Pacific’s hazardous materials team has been on site all night and is preparing a plan to fight the fire and begin the recovery effort to remove rail cars.

A typical railroad tank car can carry around 18,000 gal of hydrochloric acid or potassium hydroxide, according to the Greenbrier Companies, a US firm that designs and manufactures railroad freight car equipment.

It remains unclear if any chemicals spilled. Railroad tank cars are coiled and insulated, according to Greenbrier.

A voluntary evacuation order remains in place, as ordered by local emergency management officials with whom the railroad is coordinating. It covers an area of about 15 square blocks.

Calls and emails to the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office were not immediately returned.