Update On NJ Freight Train Derailment And Cleanup

NORTH BERGEN, NJ — After emergency crews rushed to a freight train derailment in North Jersey on Tuesday night, streets have reopened, an official said Wednesday.

On 5 p.m., one car of a CSX freight train derailed near Route 3, said North Bergen Mayor Nicholas Sacco. The highway is three miles from the Lincoln Tunnel.

The train derailed near the junction of Routes 3 and 9, temporarily closing the former.

"Emergency personnel observed a substance leaking from one of the downed rail cars, along with a strong odor that caused irritation, including burning eyes," Sacco said Wednesday. "Based on visible conditions at the scene, including one downed rail car labeled for containing ethyl acetate, and in the interest of public safety, first responders took immediate precautionary measures to contain the situation."

CSX said the substance on the train, which did not cause an imminent safety hazard, was propylene (solid).

Sacco said regional hazmat teams cleaned up the area, and that the highway has reopened.

"Every action taken on scene was guided by that principle and an abundance of caution," Sacco said. "This was a complex incident involving multiple agencies and evolving information in real time. Emergency responders, including fire and hazmat teams, have completed their work and cleared the scene."

He added, "We are grateful that this. incident did not result in any injuries or significant property damage, and we will continue working with CSX and all involved authorities to ensure public safety in our community."

Correction: An earlier version of the story, quoting Mayor Sacco about the substance, has been updated.