The Nation - News from July 6, 1987

The derailment of a train carrying deadly chlorine gas barred more than 600 northeast Louisiana residents from their homes during daylight hours, authorities said. Three tanker cars and a locomotive jumped the tracks Saturday and rolled down a 30-foot incline. The tankers’ outer skins were damaged, an official said, and a 100-ton crane will be brought in today to attempt to return the cars to the track. The evacuation will be in effect during the daytime operation because the cars might rupture, but residents may go home at night when the cars are stable, he said. No gas leak or injuries were reported.