A large scale investigation was underway near Perris early Friday morning, after an undisclosed chemical leak from a rail car prompted evacuations and freeway closures.
The spill was reported at around 7:40 p.m. on Thursday at a railway that parallels the 215 Freeway, just north of Perris on Harvill Avenue and Oleander Avenue. According to authorities, the leak came from a tank that was “overheating and possibly preparing to explode.”
Riverside County Fire Department crews and a hazardous material team reported to the scene where they remained through Friday morning.
As a result, an evacuation order was issued for all residences within a half mile radius of the site of the leak, affecting homes north of Markham Street, east of Donna Lane, south of Nandina Avenue and west of Patterson Avenue.
CBSLA
Both sides of the 215 Freeway were also completely closed from Van Buren Avenue to Ramona Expressway, with the Sigalert still active through 5 a.m.
Metrolink rail service to Perris was affected by the leak as they were unable to travel through the evacuation area.
