1500 evacuated due to Sulfuric Acid spill in S Kazakhstan

As Kazinform previously reported, in Ordabasy district of South Kazakhstan region, 29 freight wagons derailed on Chernovodsk - Badam railroad section including eight tanks with sulfuric acid. "More than 1,500 people have been evacuated due to emergency situation at Chernovodsk - Badam railroad section. All the people are the citizens of Kokbulak village", the press service of the regional Emergency Department informed. According to the Emergency Department, the evacuees were placed with their relatives. Regional ED officers carry out liquidation works including localization of the danger zone, in particular, filling the area with sand and lime. Sulfuric acid is a highly corrosive strong mineral acid with the molecular formula H2SO4. It affects skin, mucous membranes, respiratory tract (causes burns). Accordingly, it rapidly attacks the cornea and can induce permanent blindness if splashed onto eyes. If ingested, it damages internal organs irreversibly and may even be fatal.