Evacuation at Keatchie

7:00AM UPDATE ON HAZMAT SITUATION

From DeSoto Sheriff’s Office: As of 6:26AM we have just concluded a debrief with LSP Hazmat, Union Pacific, and Hazmat contractors. Preliminary inspection indicates that 16 cars derailed. Of those, 2 derailed tank cars are leaking an acid related product. The particular acids react to moisture/water releasing vapor which has occurred. Air monitoring devices are currently arriving on site to give a more specific determination of affected areas that will allow better determination of continued areas of evacuation.

For those that are displaced we will continue to offer shelter at the Stonewall Community center. We will have more information and will attempt to have a timeline in another update later this morning.

STATE POLICE HAS NOW DEEMED A MANDATORY EVACUATION OF 1.5mi RADIUS

Update issued January 28, 2023 at 1:58:26 AM CST by the Sheriff’s Office.

Our office has been informed that the State Police Hazmat has now issued a MANDATORY EVACUATION of a 1.5 Mile radius of the Railroad Crossing in KEATCHIE. Residents need to get out now. Please see our previous posts on the Stonewall Community Center as a place to go if you have none.

Earlier a One mile area was ordered evacuated.

EVACUATION AREA EXPANDED – ONE MILE RADIUS OF CROSSING

January 28, 2023 at 1:22:31 AM CST

After further assessment, it has been determined to evacuate all residents within a one mile radius of the railroad track crossing on highway in Keatchie. There is believed to be a hazardous leak which could pose a danger to the surrounding public. At this time, first responders remain on scene and knocking door-to-door informing residents of the evacuation. As a reminder, if you do not have anywhere to go, the Stonewall Community Center has been opened, which is located across from Salem Baptist Church on Stonewall Frierson Road.

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