A Canadian Pacific freight train derailed in New Hampton Iowa on Saturday. The derailment caused a leak of anhydrous ammonia and diesel fuel. Residents were evacuated for a little more than 24 hours while crews cleaned-up the hazardous materials. Anhydrous ammonia is a flammable material that is found in nitrogen fertilizer. In large enough quantities it can can cause lung damage and can be fatal.
The train’s engineer and conductor were taken to the hospital as a precaution. They were both treated and released without serious injury.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is monitoring the scene. Canadian Pacific stated the derailment was caused by floodwaters in the area.
Crews cleaning up hazardous materials, after train derailment near New Hampton
