The Associated Press
CINCINNATI- Homes within one-half mile of a leaking railroad car were ordered evacuated Monday morning because of concern about a highly flammable liquid whose fumes are hazardous to breathe.
Rush-hour commuters from the city’s east side were diverted around the site.
The leak occurred Sunday near Lunken Airport, which handles mostly private and corporate planes.
Officials initially ordered the evacuation of about 30 homes, but the evacuation area was enlarged Monday morning because the wind shifted, said police Lt. Kurt Byrd said.
The city’s Metro transit system officials sent 13 buses to help with the evacuation.
The tanker, parked on a side track, contained more than 20,000 gallons of styrene, according to district Fire Chief Dave Collini.
Styrene is used to make plastics, rubber and resins.
Firefighters were using an unmanned nozzle to spray water on the car to keep it cool.