Evacuees return home after spill
Sixty people who had to leave their homes after a train derailment released toxic fumes earlier this week were allowed to return on Friday.
Hazardous materials crews had neutralized and removed most of the soil contaminated when a 65-car train derailed and spilled toxic phosphoric and hydrochloric acid Monday near the community 140 miles southeast of Palm Springs by the Salton Sea, Riverside County Fire Capt. Fernando Herrera said.
All of the acid had been removed, and air quality readings indicated no hazardous vapors.
Herrera said a five-mile stretch of California Highway 111, plus some other roads, would remain closed until cleanup was completed.
The cause of the derailment is under investigation.
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