Derailed train leaks acid

LAFAYETTE, Louisiana (AP) -- Hydrochloric acid leaking from a derailed train forced police in southern Louisiana to evacuate thousands of residents within a one-mile radius Saturday morning.

Lafayette police Cpl. Paul Mouton said six cars derailed around 2:20 a.m. Saturday, and two of them began to leak.

Authorities are asking residents to leave.

Local firefighters and state police are on the scene, Mouton said. Watch what symptoms people should look for »

The area is mostly businesses, but there are a few apartment complexes and a nursing home, he said.

Acadian Ambulance official Clay Henry said 20 Our Lady of the Oaks nursing home residents were being transferred to a hospital. Two of the residents had what he described as "very minor injuries."

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