Ohio authorities forced to release toxic chemicals into the sky
In Ohio, emergency crews have begun releasing toxic chemicals from a derailed train into the sky with the aim of avoiding a catastrophe.
The release comes just hours after residents were ordered to evacuate the surrounding area.
Officials are releasing vinyl chloride from five rail cars that are at risk of exploding.
The evacuation order is in place for anyone within 1.6 kilometres of the site.
Footage shows huge plumes of black smoke rising into the air.
The train derailed on Friday and was carrying hazardous material.
It follows the state Governor warning “a drastic temperature change had taken place in a rail car”.
This means there was the potential of a catastrophic tanker failure which could cause an explosion and send shrapnel flying.
Sheriffs went door-to-door, urging people within the evacuation zone to leave.
But one local resident says the smell of chemicals was in the air well before the order to evacuate was announced. #trending #featured
