LAWRENCE — A leaking railroad tanker car dropped a white granular substance down about 300 feet of track, prompting the evacuation of dozens of neighbors.
The tanker car, which appears to be ripped open, is now sitting behind Diamond Ironworks at the corner of Blanchard and Andover streets. It is still uncertain whether the car derailed, causing the leak of sodium chlorate, which is not considered dangerous. It's used in the bleaching of paper. The Hazardous Materials Team and the Red Cross have been called to the scene.
Neighbors have been taken to the South Lawrence East School. A command center has been set up at Andover Street and South Broadway.
Police officers were called to the scene about 4:45 p.m. and blocked off the section of Andover Street bounded by Parker Street on one end and South Broadway on the other end. The fire department was called to the scene and began evacuation residents of Andover Street near the scene about 5 p.m.
The Commuter Rail was bussing passengers from Andover to Haverhill.
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