(May 17, 2008)--Evacuations were ordered early Saturday morning in Lafayette, La. after two rail cars overturned and leaked hydrochloric acid.
Police went door-to-door asking residents within a one-mile radius of the derailment to leave their homes and businesses.
The evacuation was expected to involve thousands of people.
About 20 residents from Our Lake of the Oaks nursing home were transferred to a nearby hospital.
Only minor injuries were reported.
Firefighters and state police were in place to help contain the hazardous area.
Six rail cars derailed around 2:20 a.m. Saturday and two began leaking.