Train carrying highly toxic phosphorous derailed in Ukraine
Hundreds evacuated from several villages as a 35 square miles area is covered by toxic phosphorous leaking from a derailed train
Hundreds of Ukrainians have been evacuated from their homes after a train carrying highly toxic phosphorous derailed and caught fire near Lviv.
At least twenty people were taken to hospital with poisoning after the fire caused a massive toxic cloud. Remaining local residents were told to use gas masks and stay indoors. Ukrainian authorities are trying to establish what caused the crash, but said there was no suggestion of sabotage or terrorism.
The freight train, which was en route from Kazakhstan to Poland, derailed near Lviv, a town not far from the Polish border in western Ukraine on Monday night. Fifteen of the train’s fifty-eight cars overturned, six of which then caught fire, officials said. The toxic yellow cloud caused by the blaze covered an area of 34.7 square miles above fourteen villages near Lviv before dispersing on Tuesday. Fire-fighters wearing masks and protective clothing managed to extinguish the fire after several hours.
Phosphorus compounds are mainly used in fertilizers, but can also be used to produce pesticides, cleaning products and explosives. The chemical can cause damage to the liver, the heart, or the kidneys if consumed. In many cases exposure can be fatal.
