13 rail cars derail in North Bergen, New Jersey, spilling ethyl acetate

A freight train derailed in North Bergen, New Jersey, sending 13 rail cars off the tracks and spilling ethyl acetate, according to officials. No injuries have been reported.

The derailment happened at about 3:15 p.m. Tuesday near 2501 Tonnelle Avenue in North Bergen, a densely populated township in Hudson County across the Hudson River from Manhattan.

Mayor Nick Sacco said the spill came from one of the rail cars and Hazmat crews were working to dilute the substance with large amounts of water.

Ethyl acetate is a colorless industrial chemical commonly used in products such as paints, coatings, adhesives and nail polish remover. Officials did not say how much of it was released.

Sacco said Route 3 remained closed in both directions near Tonnelle Avenue as a precaution. He said there were no reported injuries and no threat to the public.

CSX, the freight railroad operating the train, confirmed 13 rail cars derailed. “Our primary focus is on the safety of onsite personnel, the surrounding community, and the environment,” the company said in a statement to WABC.

North Bergen police, firefighters, EMS crews and Hazmat teams from Jersey City responded to the derailment. Officials said they are continuing to monitor the situation.