Chemical Spill Shuts Town Down

NEWCASTLE, Calif. —  A freight train derailed 25 miles northeast of Sacramento today, halting passenger rail service to Nevada and spilling chemicals that forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents. Potential hazardous substances were identified as denatured alcohol, a refrigerant, and diammonium phosphate.

One firefighter was treated for inhalation of fumes coming from a cracked tanker car, but no other injuries were reported in the 4:55 a.m. accident. Emergency workers shut down the town of Newcastle, which has a population of 300. They also closed at least three elementary schools and directed several hundred other area residents out of the area as a precaution.