Photo: Louisiana State Police
Evacuations are in effect for St. James Parish residents who live near a derailed train in Paulina that's leaking acid.
The derailment happened on State Highway 642 Wednesday afternoon. Officials say a tanker rail car loaded with 20,000 gallons of hydrochloric acid is leaking.
The St. James Parish Sheriff's Office said Thursday hotel stays would be extended an additional night as cleanup continued.
"We will let residents back in as soon as the situation allows us to. If you have absolute necessities that you need from home, or left a pet at home, please report to the check point and we will coordinate an officer to escort you to and from your home with continuous air monitoring going on," said the department in a Facebook post.
It also advised residents who secured a hotel room before ones were provided by the railroad company to keep their receipts for reimbursement.