2023 Ohio train accident
On February 3, 2023, a train accident happened in  East Palestine, Ohio, United States. The accident happened at 8.55pm EST (UTC−5). A train carrying dangerous chemicals derailed. Several of the 38 railcars caught fire, and started to burn. Some  burned for more than two days. Emergency crews  burned several of them in a controlled fire. This fire released hydrogen chloride and phosgene into the air. Phosgene is used only in specially equipped plants. Today, it is used to produce certain plastics, and other chemicals, such as dyes. In the past, it was also  used as a chemical weapon. For this reason, the residents within a  radius were evacuated. Emergency response was started from agencies in Ohio, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. East Palestine is about half way between Cleveland and Pittsburgh.