Train Derailment Explosion Risk Forces Western PA Evacuation Order

DARLINGTON TOWNSHIP, PA — Residents of this small Beaver County town have been ordered to evacuate because of the likelihood of a train derailment explosion.

The evacuation order is in effect for anyone living within a mile of the train derailment scene just over the Pennsylvania border in East Palestine, OH. Authorities have told people in the area that they need to leave because of the risk of an explosion and resulting shrapnel, WTAE-TV reported.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine on Sunday ordered mandatory evacuations of residents in his state near the site of the derailment. The Ohio National Guard has been called in to assist local authorities.

Five of the detailed cars were carrying vinyl chloride, CNN reported. Breathing the man-made chemical can cause people to die, pass out or cause long-term health problems, according to to the Ohio Department of Healthaid.