Feature story - January 10, 2005
The recent train derailment that lead to the release of chlorine causing 9 fatalities, hundreds of injuries and the evacuation of thousands in South Carolina, wasn't the first time that hazardous materials being transported by railcar resulted in a catastrophe causing the loss of life.
An EMS worker directs two people brought in for decontamination to where they have to go at USC Aiken. RON COCKERILLE/Augusta Chronicle
In 2002, the Federal Bureau of Investigation warned that such railcars were at risk of being targeted by terrorists. Safer alternatives now in use could substitute nearly all these hazardous chemicals.
Find out more about this toxic chemical threat.