An incident involving a hazardous materials leak took root in Boyle Heights on Thursday when a BNSF freight train was found to be spilling a clear, corrosive liquid at an alarming rate. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD), the leak was reported at approximately 5 gallons per minute from a single rail car parked at 649 S Mission Rd. LAFD crews, including a Hazardous Materials team, have collaborated with railroad officials from the outset to contain the spill and mitigate risks to the surrounding area.
The incident was first reported by an unidentified adult male witness, whose connection to the site remains unknown. This individual has since been evaluated on the scene by LAFD Paramedics for what has been described as a non-specific illness, "there are no other patients," as per released by the LAFD. The immediacy of the situation prompted an isolation zone of 150 feet in all directions from the leak, though no formal evacuations have been ordered.
LAFD's subsequent findings pointed to a puncture on the underside of the affected railway tank car as the source of the leakage. Updated information provided by the LAFD indicated that the still-leaking liquid posed no additional risk beyond the immediate vicinity of the spill. However, the responsibility for handling the situation has transitioned from BNSF Railway to Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR), with UPRR personnel being summoned to take active measures on the scene.
As reported by the LAFD, media inquiries were diverted to UPRR, "Though BNSF Railway personnel are at scene, it has been determined that Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) will be the responsible entity," the update stated, solidifying the shift in liability and action.
