LAFAYETTE, LA. (CN) - The Saturday morning train derailment that spilled hydrochloric acid near Lafayette, forcing the evacuation of 3,000 people, has produced two federal class actions against Burlington Northern & Santa Fe Railroad.
Most of the roughly 3,000 residents who were evacuated after the 2 a.m. derailment had returned home by Sunday night, but residents within 1,000 feet of the 10,000-gallon spill - mostly businesses - are still prohibited from returning, state troopers told The Associated Press.
The wreck sent a toxic cloud over the city, putting five people in the hospital, according to press reports. Six train cars were derailed; half of the spilled acid had been cleaned up by this morning, the AP reported.
Plaintiffs in these class actions are represented by Daniel Becnel of Reserve, La., and James Parkerson Roy with Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards of Lafayette.
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