This photo made available by Polk County Fire Rescue shows molten sulfur that spilled from a derailed train near Lakeland, Fla., Monday, Nov. 27, 2017. State officials are investigating the crash. (Polk County Fire Rescue via AP)
November 28, 2017 - 3:45 PM
LAKELAND, Fla. - Officials say a faulty bearing caused the derailment of a train hauling molten sulfur in Florida.
The Ledger reports that a passerby called 911 early Monday to report sparks near one of the wheels just minutes before nine of the 192 total cars left the tracks near Lakeland. A preliminary investigation released Tuesday by CSX officials says the cause was a faulty bearing on an axle of one of the rail cars.
The derailment spilled 3,000 gallons of molten sulfur, a hazardous chemical. Another car leaked 12,000 gallons of cooking oil. A busy road near the tracks was closed for more than 36 hours.
CSX officials say they're monitoring air quality to make sure nearby residents are safe.
Lakeland is between Tampa and Orlando in central Florida.
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Information from: The Ledger (Lakeland, Fla.), http://www.theledger.com
News from © The Associated Press, 2017