A bridge collapsed in southern New Jersey this morning, derailing a train that contained the chemical vinyl chloride and sending nearby residents fleeing, according to a local NBC affiliate. Several cars toppled into the Mantua Creek in Paulsboro and let loose the colorless, sweet-smelling gas. So far, at least 28 people have been taken to the hospital owing to respiratory problems and a neighborhood school is locked down. According to a U.S. Coast Guard officer, “Personal safety is our number one concern,” while the removal effort is expected to take more than a day.
