143 Hospitalized In Ukraine After Train Wreck Dumps Toxic Phosphorous - AFP

[hatrack]

Over 140 people have been hospitalised following a spill of highly toxic phosphorus in western Ukraine, officials said Thursday. The number admitted to hospital after a train crash and fire Monday spewed toxic clouds into the air nearly doubled overnight Thursday to 143, of whom 43 were children, regional health ministry official Igor Gerych said.

But officials repeated assurances that there was no widespread danger to surrounding villages after a train derailed.

"The situation is stable and under control. No one is panicking," emergency situations ministry spokesman Pavlo Vasylenko told AFP.

Emergency workers on the site removed wreckage and covered the ground with flame retardant to avoid another flare-up, which could happen if the temperature goes above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), he said.

EDIT

http://www.terradaily.com/2007/070719114555.qtvpb0bk.html