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Derailment Sends Chemical Tank Cars Into N.J. Creek

Posted: 6:20 AM Nov 30, 2012
Reporter: AP

Emergency crews are on the scene of a freight train derailment and hazardous material spill in southern New Jersey.

The Gloucester County Times (http://bit.ly/V8rH3L ) reports four tank cars were dumped into Mantua Creek in Paulsboro Friday and are leaking vinyl chloride.

A spokesman for the state Environmental Protection Department says officials are trying to determine what the cars were carrying.

TV helicopter footage shows at least two tankers in the creek and one hanging over a trestle, part of which is seemingly collapsed.

The newspaper says 18 people are reported to be having difficulty breathing.

It's not clear what caused the derailment, about 17 miles south and across the Delaware River from Philadelphia.