NJ derailment evacuations curtailed, tests offered

Crews continue to spray water on derailed freight train tank cars in Paulsboro, N.J., Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, after seven cars of an 84-car freight train with two locomotives derailed earlier Friday. / AP Photo/Mel Evans

CLARKSBORO, N.J. Hundreds of New Jersey residents ordered out of their homes following a freight train derailment a week ago are being allowed back.

One of the tankers split open in the crash and spewed hazardous vinyl chloride gas into the air, sickening dozens in Paulsboro, N.J.

Residents are being offered the chance Friday to have the air quality in their houses checked before they enter their houses. But they can also decline the tests.

The Coast Guard says no vinyl chloride has been detected in the air in or around the evacuation zone for more than 24 hours.

Residents are being escorted back to their houses in stages throughout the day.

The National Transportation Safety Board expects to have a preliminary report on the accident in about two weeks.