Whitewater Township, Ohio – Evacuation and shelter in place orders are still in effect following a hazardous chemical leak in Whitewater Township, Ohio. The incident occurred on US 50, between State Route 128 and Valley Junction Road, near the Great Miami River, prompting emergency officials to take swift action.
Authorities reported a dangerous chemical leak near State Route 128 and U.S. 50 around 1:45 p.m. on a Tuesday afternoon. The leak, caused by an open valve on a train car releasing styrene gas, led to evacuation and shelter in place orders being issued in the surrounding areas. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries from the leak, and by late Tuesday night, officials confirmed that the leak had been contained.
As a precautionary measure, county officials instructed individuals within a half-mile radius of the affected railyard to leave the area immediately. Additionally, a shelter in place order was enforced for a 3/4 mile radius from the site of the leak, with road closures and store shutdowns implemented in the vicinity.
Styrene gas, the chemical involved in the leak, is a colorless, flammable liquid with a sweet odor that is commonly used in the production of plastics and rubber. Emergency response agencies are closely monitoring air quality and water samples in the area to assess the extent of the chemical exposure.
In a similar incident back in 2005 near Lunken Airport in Cincinnati, emergency officials faced a styrene release from a rail car, prompting a 1-mile radius evacuation for several days. The response involved efforts to cool down the rail car and stop the leak.
Public officials, including Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown and JD Vance, have been actively monitoring the situation and urging residents to follow safety guidelines provided by emergency management agencies. Efforts are underway to ensure the safety of the community and contain the incident effectively.