wlwt.com/article/dangerous-chemical-evacuation-whitewater-township-styrene/62354918

What we know: 'Dangerous' chemical leak prompts evacuation in Whitewater Township

A dangerous chemical leak in Whitewater Township has prompted a half-mile evacuation order for people in the area, according to Hamilton County emergency management and fire officials.

The incident is happening on US 50, between State Route 128 and Kilby Road, not far from the Great Miami River.

Below is everything you need to know about what happened and what emergency officials are saying.

WHAT HAPPENED

Hamilton County EMA states that per Whitewater Fire officials, a "dangerous chemical leak" occurred near State Route 128 and U.S. 50 around 1:45 p.m. Tuesday afternoon.

EMA officials say the leak is not from a train derailment but a train car that has a valve open, releasing styrene gas.

ROADS CLOSED

County officials are telling people to leave the area immediately if they are within a half mile radius of the railyard by U.S. 50 and State Route 128, and Valley Junction Road, near the Kroger at 4001 Hamilton Cleves Road.

A shelter in place order has been issued for 3/4 of a mile from the site of the leak, according Little Miami Fire & Rescue chief Mike Siefke.

All surrounding roads are shut down, including U.S. 50. All stores in the area have been closed, including Kroger.

Officials said residents should not call 911 unless there is an active emergency.

WHAT IS STYRENE GAS

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Styrene is a colorless, flammable liquid, which has a sweet odor and is highly volatile.

It is possible to become exposed to styrene through breathing air that has styrene vapors.

The chemical is frequently used to make plastics and rubber. It is not known how much of the chemical is leaking from the train car.

Anyone who comes into contact with styrene should immediately wash their skin with soap and water and remove and wash clothing that they were wearing.

People should also flush their eyes with water for approximately 15 minutes and remove contact lenses. If styrene is inhaled, seek medical attention immediately and rinse mouth thoroughly.

NEARBY SCHOOL EVACUATED

According to Three Rivers School District, which is nearby, students and staff are beginning the evacuation process and parents have been emailed evacuation processes. All after school activities have been canceled for the evening.

The school has canceled all after school activities due to the leak, including the Board of Education Meeting.

HAS THIS HAPPENED BEFORE?

In 2005, emergency officials responded to a styrene release from a rail car near Lunken Airport on the east side of Cincinnati.

During the response, the Cincinnati Fire Department attempted to apply water to the rail car in an attempt to cool it down. A 1-mile radius evacuation was in place for several days as crews worked to stop the leak.

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ohio rizz

Will anyone be held accountable this time?

Will the health and environmental dangers be downplayed by the public officials, industrialists, and media again?

Hope people are getting out in time

Only in Ohio 🤣🤣🤣

Thoughts and prayers 😕 - 20 Trillion More To Israel!

Love for East Palestine and East-East Palestine

F*** the US, all it knows is poison and slaughter for all including its own residents

Hope that damage to people and planet is as minimal as can be

Welp

This ain’t good

and people say china has an unsafe industrial sector

Crazy how s*** like this happens all the time and barely gets coverage

inquirer.com/news/pennsylvania/sps-technologies-fire-chemical-waste-20250218.html

Define people