More Evacuate Poisonous Gas Leak Area
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BOGALUSA, La. — At least 1,200 more people were evacuated Tuesday as authorities tried neutralizing toxic nitrogen tetroxide in a ruptured railroad tank car that already had forced 1,500 people to flee.
The second group live in two housing projects less than a mile from where the tank car ruptured Monday, sending a huge pink cloud of poisonous gas into the sky.
The second evacuation was ordered in case the tank broke open and released more gas as emergency crews flooded it with chemicals to neutralize the chemical, Sheriff Duane Blair said.
About 500 people have been treated at hospitals after complaining of sore throats, burning eyes and shortness of breath. At least two were in serious condition.
Rain has helped to dissipate the fumes somewhat.
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