North Bergen, N.J. - A train derailment west of Tonnelle av. near the Route 3 circle brought in a large emergency response as well as a traffic nightmare for the afternoon rush, April 14^th.

North Hudson fire units were dispatched for a reported fire in the area at approximately 3:15 p.m.  Firefighters observed smoke and searched for proper access to the CSX RR tracks for fire apparatus. The traffic from the busy highways also hampered apparatus movement.  Numerous railroad cars were derailed along the tracks located behind buildings.  

Long stretches of LDH were needed for water supply to the tracks to extinguish flames and cool down a car that was reported to be carrying a chemical identified as ethyl acetate, according to local officials.  Along with numerous hand lines, Tower Ladder 3's monitor was used to spray water down on the car from the hill above.  

North Hudson used all hands of the full assignment plus a special call for an additional battalion chief, as Chief of Department David Donnarumma assumed command.  An additional special call was made for the Jersey City Haz Mat units, which responded along with several chief officers.  

Copious amount of water were used on the derailed cars until conditions approved.

Items carried in the rail cars, that included 161 cars according to a local official, were lumber, plastics, food-grade products and chemical tank cars that carry hazardous materials reportedly routinely shipped by rail, according to News12.  Some cars were partially flipped over and others completely on their sides.  

As conditions improved, railroad personnel moved in to take over operations and called in heavy cranes to upright the effected rail cars. That operation continued into April 15^th.  

Emergency crews that operated at the scene included the North Bergen police, EMS and OEM; Jersey City OEM; NJ Transit police ESU; Hudson County Sheriff's units; Hudson Regional Health Emergency Response Haz Mat; NJ DOT and the NJ Division of Fire Safety. Rehab was provided by the Jersey City Gong Club canteen unit.