Journalism 202

“BREAKING NEWS STORY - INITIAL WIRE”

Sept. 20, 2023

Three killed and chemical spilled in train derailment in Wisconsin

STOUGHTON, Wis. (AP) — Three people are reported dead after a train derailed near Wisconsin’s capital on Monday night, Dane County Sheriff Alice Tompkins confirms. 

The train consisted of 22 cars, all of which derailed. Less than half of the total cars fell over. At least one car leaked anhydrous ammonia in gas form. 

The cause of death and identities of the victims are not yet disclosed. It’s inconclusive if they were killed in the derailment or due to the ammonia. The gas is still leaking, yet it’s inconclusive how much has leaked. 

Ammonia is commonly used as a fertilizer, yet is a colorless and potent gas. When the ammonia escapes, it is attracted to moisture, whether in bodies of water or on human skin, for example. 

According to the University of Wisconsin-Extension, at an exposure level of around 130 ppm, nose and eye irritation sets in. When in contact with skin or eyes, it causes a burning sensation. At extremely high exposure levels, around 5,000 ppm, suffocation occurs within minutes. 

The derailment occurred two miles outside of Stoughton, near where the tracks cross Leslie Road. There are a few bodies of water nearby, which may be susceptible to the leak. The ammonia is also toxic to aquatic life, according to the EPA. 

Hazmat teams arrived on the scene to address the leak. Officers and fire teams from five surrounding police departments also responded to the scene, which is now closed off to reporters and the public.  

It is not confirmed how the Transwest Rail train left the tracks. The National Transportation Safety Board will further investigate details of the derailment. “This is a very difficult situation for everyone involved,” said Dane County Sheriff Alice Tompkins.