Train Spills Phosphoric Acid During Trip Through Iowa

BOONE, Iowa (AP) -- A train carrying phosphoric acid leaked the dangerous substance as it traveled across Iowa over the weekend, Des Moines fire officials said.

Hazmat teams responded to spills in the cities of Boone and Marshalltown early Sunday morning, aid Brian O'Keefe, a spokesman for the Des Moines Fire Department.

He said crews worked to neutralize the clear, syrupy acid, which is corrosive and causes severe irritation and burns to areas of contact, and is harmful if swallowed or inhaled.

The amount of acid on the ground varied with the speed of the train, but in some areas was up to 1/4 inch thick.

The train passed through the state before midnight and was stopped in Council Bluffs, O'Keefe said.

No injuries were reported.