New Jersey Bridge Collapses, Railroad Tank Cars Derail Into Mantua Creek

UPDATE [10:40 A.M.] 11 people transported to hospital, 5 others walked in following New Jersey train derailment

A New Jersey bridge collapsed Friday morning, resulting in the derailing of four railroad tank cars.

The railroad cars were dumped into the Mantua Creek and are currently leaking vinyl chloride after the collapse of the train bridge at 7 a.m. on Friday morning.

According to a local New Jersey news outlet, ambulances are being sent to the Paulsboro Marine Terminal where approximately 18 people are reported to be experiencing breathing difficulties.

Early reports from the scene indicate that seven cars overturned and derailed near the 200 block of East Jefferson St., between North Delaware St. and the creek.

One responder reported via emergency broadcast frequencies that three box cars had overturned, and the four tank cars that were in the water had been pierced.

While no injuries have been reported at this time, hazardous materials crews and firefighters are responding.

The chemical placard on at least one of the leaking tank cars indicates that the car contained vinyl chloride, a colorless gas with a sweet odor that is easily ignited, NewJersey.com reports.

According to the federal Environmental Protection Agency, which was cited by the local New Jersey news outlet, short-term exposure to high levels of vinyl chloride in the air has resulted in central nervous system effects such as dizziness, drowsiness and headaches.

Check back for updates on this breaking news story!