JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ga. — Residents are allowed back in their homes hours after a train carrying chemical derailed in Jefferson County.
The Jefferson County, Ga. Sheriff's Office said emergency crews have deemed the evacuation area safe.
The derailment happened near Highway 171 at Highway 24 in the town of Bartow.
The train crew was able to make it safely to a nearby crossing and were taken to Jefferson Hospital for evaluation. The crew confirmed that there was a possible leak from one of the derailed cars.
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Officials with Norfolk Southern recommended anyone within a 7-mile radius of Bartow should evacuate immediately. A short time later, the evacuation zone was reduced to 3 miles. Around 7 a.m., authorities said the evacuation has been lifted.
Update on Bartow, Ga., train derailment: it has been confirmed that Hydrogen Peroxide was released. There is no indication of a chlorine leak at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
— Norfolk Southern (@nscorp) January 7, 2019
TRENDING STORIES:
Closure site is Jefferson Co. Hwy 171 @ Hwy 24. Due to content spilled @nscorp has evacuated residents and has setup a 4 mile perimeter. Detour is long and no estimate when things will clear. Will update on our end when available.
— GDOT East Traffic (@GDOTEastTraffic) January 7, 2019
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