Derailed Train Spews Toxic Gas In Calif.

Homes were evacuated for a mile around a train derailment that was spewing toxic gas early Tuesday but no injuries were reported, authorities said.

Some 60 residents of this Southern California desert town remained unable to return to some 40 homes, which were evacuated when part of a Union Pacific train went off the tracks shortly before 9 p.m. Monday, authorities said.

The 65-car train was heading from Colton to El Centro when 29 cars went off the track, said James Barnes, the railroad's director of media information.

Six cars remained upright and 23 were "in a pile" but nobody on the train or surrounding area was hurt, he said.

It was not immediately clear why the train derailed, he said.

Initial reports were that two tanker cars caught fire, but Barnes said only some wooden rail ties burned.

Four tanker cars were leaking unknown quantities of liquid hydrochloric and phosphoric acid, Riverside County fire Capt. Julie Hutchinson said.

The acid sent up a 25-foot plume Monday night, Hutchinson said.

A smaller plume, caused by acid reacting with organic material at the scene, still hovered Tuesday morning although it did not represent an immediate public health threat, Hutchinson said.

Barnes said the phosphoric acid was reacting with soil.

"It's kind of like a smoldering," Barnes said.

A strong acid, hydrochloric often is used in the production of chlorides, fertilizers and dyes, as well as in the photographic, textile and rubber industries.

According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, hydrochloric acid is corrosive to the eyes, skin and mucous membranes. Acute short-term inhalation can cause eye, nose, and respiratory tract irritation and inflammation, plus a buildup of fluid in the lungs.

Phosphoric is a milder acid typically used for rust removal and for the preparation of steel surfaces for painting.

People were being kept out of a mile area around the derailment site until the acid leaks are stopped and cleanup crews can begin their work.

"We're in the process of staging the equipment nearby," Barnes said. "Right now, the important thing is to make sure the area's safe."

About 2,000 feet of track were damaged and 25 trains were delayed, Barnes said, and some were being rerouted through Salt Lake City, Utah.

The accident site is next to Highway 111, which was shut down for a seven-mile stretch south of State Road 195.

Mecca has nearly 5,400 residents and is in southern Riverside County, approximately 140 miles southeast of Los Angeles.