Ethanol Leak After Train Derailment in Chautauqua County, New York

Emergency crews are still working to contain a hazardous spill that occurred following a train derailment in the Chautauqua County town of Ripley, New York.Ethanol was reported leaking from one car but there has been no official word on how much was spilled.  That forced the evacuation of reisdnets living with one thousand feet of the derailment site.

There were more than a dozen cars on the train.

The Northern Southern Railway says that there were no injuries as a result of the accident.

Governor Andrew Cuomo's office has released a statement on the incident which reads as follows:

“At approximately 11:20 p.m. on Tuesday, 15 rail cars traveling on the Norfolk Southern line derailed near the town of Ripley in Chautauqua County. While there is no fire or reported injuries at this time, three rail cars carrying hazardous liquids, including ethanol were turned on their side, and one is confirmed to be leaking. As a result, emergency response officials evacuated several homes in the immediate vicinity and instructed other nearby residents to stay inside while authorities continue to assess the situation.

“I have directed the state Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Services’ Office of Emergency Management, the Office of Fire Prevention and Control, the Department of Environmental Conservation as well as foam equipment to assist in suppressing the spill and provide support to hazmat teams that will be working to patch the leak.

“We will continue to respond to the situation as it develops and take all necessary actions to keep people safe.”

There has been no official word yet as to the possible cause of the crash.