Crews stop acid leak after train tips in Michigan

VERNON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (AP) — Officials say overnight crews have cleared up the hydrochloric acid that leaked from a tank car after a train derailed in mid-Michigan, and 12 families who were evacuated from nearby homes should be allowed to return soon.

Canadian National Railway spokesman Patrick Waldron says 12 cars were toppled in the accident 7pm Thursday in Shiawassee County’s Vernon Township.

Waldron says he doesn’t know how much hydrochloric acid the train was carrying or was spilled. He says 10 railcars involved in the accident were carrying the corrosive solution.

Vernon Township Fire Chief Dan Bannister says the 35 evacuees who spent the night in a hotel should be allowed to return to their homes by 2pm.

Canadian National and federal railroad administration authorities are investigating the cause of the accident.