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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Train Derailment Spills Acid Into River

Compiled From Wire Services

A freight train derailed Saturday, spilling at least 15,000 gallons of sulfuric acid into a river and threatening drinking water in several towns. No one was injured in the derailment.

The Canadian National train derailed north of Trois-Rivieres, halfway between Montreal and Quebec City. Sulfuric acid spilled into the Towachiche River, which flows into the larger Batiscan River.

At least 28 of the train’s 44 cars derailed. Most fell onto their sides, but seven cars fell into the river.

Spill experts from Canadian National and federal and state environmental agencies worked to stop the leaks and neutralize the acid already in the rivers, said CN spokeswoman Marie-Claire Gougion.

Police advised residents who live along both rivers to avoid local drinking water supplies.