Hello all! I Just turned on the news here in Racine and it was announced that a CN freight of 106 cars derailed between Addison and Slinger Wi. Sixteen cars derailed going over a small bridge. Between car fifty and fiftythree. A fire broke out. A bulkhead flat of lumber, a box of waxes and a hopper of plastics. No hazardous material so far and no injuries as far as they know! Just thought you would like to be informed! Rich.
Plastic pellets may not be considered a hazardous material, but if they're burning, watch out! Depending on what kind of plastic it is, they can generate hydrogen cyanide, phosgene, carbon monoxide, and a host of other toxic substances. Add to that a large plastic fire can be very hard to put out and the runoff from firefighting efforts can be hazardous if it enters a waterway.
