Cleves and Whitewater Township residents continue to face the repercussions of a chemical emergency that began yesterday afternoon. A styrene spill from a railroad tanker prompted an evacuation and a significant response from emergency crews. According to WLWT, the leak near State Route 128 and U.S. 50 was caused by an open valve on a train car, not from a train derailment as initially feared.
WCPO reports that emergency crews, including firefighters and hazmat teams, worked diligently to seal the leak and prevent any potential explosion due to the explosive nature of styrene. Despite the leak being successfully stopped, the evacuation order remains in place. At the same time, officials continue monitoring the situation, particularly the temperature of the tanker car involved, and conducting air quality tests.
The evacuations and ongoing emergency response have led to several road closures, including the stretch of US-50 from Lawrenceburg Road in Whitewater Township to State Street in Cleves and OH-128 at Cilley Road. In a statement obtained by FOX19, Brian Stussie of Genesee & Wyoming Railroad confirmed that the car was separated from the train and that crews are using water to keep it cool.
School closures and community disruptions, such as the shutdown of the nearby Kroger store, emphasize the severity of the incident. According to health officials, prolonged exposure to styrene can cause symptoms including tiredness, slowed reaction times, and balance issues. "There is potential for an explosion" if the material heats up, said Little Miami Fire and Rescue Chief Mike Siefke in a statement obtained by WCPO. Officials are urging residents to heed the evacuation and shelter-in-place orders until an all-clear is given.
The Three Rivers Local School District announced classes would be canceled for Wednesday, and several local arterial routes have been closed to facilitate the emergency response. Despite the swift action of the crews and the lack of reported injuries, the risk associated with styrene, a substance widely used in manufacturing processes, has put the area on high alert. For updates on the situation and when it may be safe to return, residents are advised to follow the guidance of the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency.
