A train in carrying toxic chemicals has reportedly crashed in southern New Jersey after the bridge it was crossing collapsed, sending toxic chemicals into a creek below.
New Jersey's state emergency crews were already at the scene of the freight train derailment and had already begun trying to contain the spill.
The train was crossing a bridge in the West Deptford area of New Jersey Friday morning when the bridge collapsed, sending several train cars filled with toxic chemicals crashing into a creek near the Delaware River, the U.S. Coast Guard has revealed.
The cars contained vinyl chloride, a highly toxic and flammable chemical, and it is believed to be contaminating the creek, Nick Ameen, a U.S. Coast Guard Petty Officer, told CNN.
No deaths have been reported, but residents around the creek have been evacuated and nearby schools are currently under lockdown, a borough emergency official stated.
Helicopter footage shows at least two tankers in the creek and one hanging over a trestle, part of which had partially collapsed.
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Residents revealed they smelled an odor in the area and people in the town of Paulsboro were told should stay indoors and to keep all windows closed, a Gloucester County spokeswoman told WPVI.
It's not clear what caused the derailment, which occurred about 17 miles south and across the Delaware River from Philadelphia.
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