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CNN Live Sunday

Overturned Railcar Causes Spill of Sulfuric Acid in Tennessee

Aired September 15, 2002 - 17:14   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

FREDRICKA WHITFIELD, CNN ANCHOR: Thousands of people were forced to leave their homes in Southeastern Tennessee today after a train derailed outside Knoxville. A rail car overturned spilling thousands of gallons of sulfuric acid. Marc Stewart with CNN affiliate WBIR joins us from Knox County, Tennessee with an update.
MARC STEWART, WBIR CORRESPONDENT: Fredricka, it's now believed that more that 30,000 people have been evacuated from their homes since this whole accident happened just before noon today. A lot more serious than first thought, more than 30,000 people evacuated from their homes after a train derailed just outside of the City of Knoxville, in suburban Knoxville.

We have some pictures, which we want to show you, you will see plumes of sulfuric acid flowing into the air. It's believed at many as 10,000 gallons of acid are coming from the train car. The big concern with sulfuric acid is that it is hazardous to humans. It can cause breathing problems, problems with the eyes and skin. That is why they are taking such drastic precautions by evacuating all these people.

Anyone who lives about a mile from scene has been evacuated, initially, now that has been extended to three, four, and five miles away from the scene. Originally, this was contained to just Knox Country, which of course is home to Knoxville, Tennessee. The evacuations have now been added to a second county, being Blount (ph) County, along the Knox County line.

Fortunately, no serious injuries to report. One woman was taken to the University of Tennessee Hospital who lived near the scene. In addition, a handful of others drove their own cars to area emergency rooms for evaluation. But, again, the injuries only seem to be minor.

Because so many people have been evacuated shelters have been set up across the city of Knoxville, primarily at schools and churches. So far, at least two shelters have been set up, but we are getting word from the American Red Cross that many more could open up as the evening draws on.

Again, the big question in all of this, Fredricka, is what caused this very big accident forcing thousands of people to evacuate. But still no clear cause as to why.

WHITFIELD: All right, so a lot of unanswered questions. Thank you very much. Mark Stewart with WBIR.

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