Residents sue train company following N.J. derailment

Phil Dunn, The (Cherry Hill, N.J.) Courier-Post

Emergency responders and the National Transportation Safety Board continue their investigation on Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, into the Nov. 30 derailment of a freight train and bridge collapse over Mantua Creek in Paulsboro, N.J. (Gannett, Denise Henhoeffer/(Cherry Hill, N.J.) Courier-Post)

Train derailed over Mantua Creek Nov. 30
180,000 gallons of vinyl chloride spilled after the derailment
N.J. woman filed separate $10 million lawsuit Tuesday

PHILADELPHIA -- Conrail and its parent company CSX have been sued by 54 Paulsboro, N.J., residents in connection with a train derailment and chemical spill in their community.

The lawsuit, filed in the Court of Common Pleas of Philadelphia County on Tuesday, seeks an undisclosed amount of money to pay for medical screening for early detection and life-threatening medical conditions linked to vinyl chloride exposure.

A tanker that was breached as a result of the Nov. 30 derailment over the Mantua Creek spilled 180,000 gallons of the chemical.

According to the lawsuit, exposure to the toxic chemical can lead to serious medical problems such as brain and lung cancer.

"The lawsuit seeks medical screening for early detection of serious and life threatening medical conditions linked to vinyl chloride exposure, as well as compensation for the significant disruption of daily life this community has experienced," said attorney Esther Berezofsky, a partner at Williams Cuker Berezofsky.

The law firm has represented individuals and communities locally and nationally in environmental and chemical exposure matters since 1985.

This lawsuit comes just days after Paulsboro resident Alice Breeman sued Conrail in U.S. District Court in Camden, N.J.

Breeman is seeking $10 million in punitive damages and $150,000 in compensation for injuries.

Coast Guard crews were able to remove the breached rail car from Mantua Creek on Tuesday, 12 days after the initial accident. Diving and crane operations continue at the site to remove the remaining cars that were derailed after the wreck. Thirty residents remain out of their homes.

Rob Fender, a Conrail representative, said the company has provided more than 1,000 nights at hotels for people affected by the accident. About 780 people have received vouchers for things such as food, clothing and gas.

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