Overview

On January 14, 2007 four runaway rail cars crashed into two parked cars that resulted in an explosion that released about 30,000 gallons of [butyl acetate].

The [butyl acetate] was said to have burnt away completely, but residents nearby were either evacuated or told to stay indoors with their windows shut and towels under their door.

[Butyl Acetate] is a high-volume chemical (over 1 million pounds used a year in the United States] and is a recognized liver toxicant.

EXTERNAL LINKS

• AP Article on the Crash
• Scorecard on Butyl Acetate.