Train derails, chemical spills in South Carolina

MARTIN, S.C. -- A train has derailed and chemicals leaked from a car in Allendale County, but no widespread evacuations have been ordered. Derrec Becker with the South Carolina Emergency Management Division says the scene is now being considered a crime scene, reports CBS Augusta, Georgia affiliate WRDW-TV.

Deputies told media outlets that the train ran off the tracks around 2:40 a.m. Tuesday in Martin, which is about 12 miles northwest of Allendale on state Highway 125.

Authorities evacuated the nearby Archroma plant, which makes colored paper and textiles. No homes in the area were evacuated.

Deputies say two people on the train were hurt and were taken to a hospital in Augusta, Georgia. Their conditions were not known.

Authorities say the spill site is still being cleaned up. Investigators have not figured out why the train left the tracks.

Officials confirmed there was a hazardous chemical spilled, but it is now contained, WRDW reported. A hazmat team was on the scene.

The station reports that several roads were blocked off by officers at the scene of the derailment.