Train derails in Bond, spills chemical
Vail, CO Colorado
BOND ” A train carrying a chemical used in fertilizer derailed and spilled its load about 17 miles north of Wolcott in a remote part of Eagle County, authorities said.
Quicklime was spilled onto the ground and onto ice covering the Colorado River around 6 a.m. Monday, the Eagle County Sheriff’s Office said.
When mixed with water, quicklime turns to a vapor that can irritate skin and eyes, the Sheriff’s Office said.
There were no reports of injuries and the spill will not taint the water supply, said Kim Andree, spokeswoman for the Sheriff’s Office.
Reverse 911 calls told residents of Bond and McCoy that any irritation could be relieved with soap and water, the Sheriff’s Office said. Homes were far enough away from the spill that it was unlikely that anyone would have symptoms, Andree said.
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Hazardous materials workers were removing the quicklime Monday and sheriff’s deputies were there making sure no one got near the spill, she said.
The cause of the crash is being investigated, the Sheriff’s Office said.