71 treated after gas leak from derailed NJ train

PAULSBORO, N.J. (AP) — A hospital says 71 people came in complaining of breathing problems, burning eyes or scratchy throats after a southern New Jersey train derailment released a hazardous gas into the air.

A spokeswoman for Underwood-Memorial Hospital in Woodbury says 11 of the patients came in by ambulance after the derailment on a rail bridge in Paulsboro on Friday. The rest walked in.

Sixty-three patients have been discharged. The eight who remained in the hospital Friday afternoon were in stable condition.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the accident.

Chairman Deborah Hersman says seven cars derailed. One released vinyl chloride.

Within hours after the release, sensors were no longer detecting the chemical in the air.