Authorities say a train derailed in south Louisiana and a non-hazardous chemical leaked

DONALDSONVILLE, La. — Seventeen train cars derailed in south Louisiana on Friday, and several leaked a chemical used to disinfect swimming pools. However, authorities said it posed no danger to the public.

It was not immediately clear what caused the Union Pacific Railroad train to derail around 7:30 a.m. in Donaldsonville, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) southwest of New Orleans. No injuries were reported and no hazardous materials were involved, authorities said.

“We want the community to know that everyone is safe,” Ascension Parish Sheriff’s Lt. Col. Cody Melancon said in a statement posted on Facebook. “There are currently no dangerous material leaks. Several trains derailed. There is only a white, powdery substance on the ground, which is harmless and is used to make medicine.”

According to the markings on the train cars, they are used to transport propylene – an active ingredient in rubber production – sulfuric acid and refrigerated oxygen, none of which are inherently harmful, WBRZ-TV reported. Cyanuric acid – a chemical used in herbicides and bleach – was released from three tank cars and efforts are underway to neutralize the acid, Union Pacific Railroad told the television station.

Melancon said officials are working with state police and the railroad company to clean up the scene and repair the tracks, which will likely take several days.