WHITEWATER TOWNSHIP, Ohio (WKRC) -- A chemical leak in Ohio has residents evacuating their homes as crews work to assess the evacuation zone.
Hamilton County Emergency Management has advised some Whitewater Township residents to evacuate due to a chemical leak Tuesday.
The leak came from a rail car in the area of US 50 and SR 128. The chemical is styrene, according to officials.
There was not a derailment or a fire.
People in the area were first advised to close and seal doors and windows. Minutes later they were advised to evacuate.
The range of the evacuation zone was expanded to two miles.
Those slightly outside the evacuation area have been advised to shelter in place as well as close doors and windows.
A shelter has been opened for the public at Whitewater Community Center at 6125 Dry Fork Rd. Another is at Miami Township Town Hall on South Miami Ave.
So far, there are no reports of injuries or illness.
Styrene exposure can lead to headaches, nausea or respiratory issues.
Three Rivers Schools evacuated after keeping students and staff indoors as a precaution, as was a nearby Kroger.
Additionally, there's a threat of an explosion. According to officials, an explosion isn't imminent, but there's a concern. Crews used water to try to cool the tank down.
People trying to return home have been met with roadblocks, regardless of their circumstances. Some residents are worried about their pets, while others have urgent medical needs. One man, whose son is diabetic, was told to call 911 to get medicine for his child.
Kristin Brown, who lives near the chemical leak, expressed her concerns.
I was trying to get back to the house; I've got two dogs there, and my husband doesn't have a way out. So, I guess what we're going to end up doing is calling 911. I just want my family together tonight," said Brown.
Joey Rycek, Brown's son, shared his experience.
"They never told us anything [at school], but they sent an email as to why kids were leaving," said Rycek.
Joe Miller, another resident, voiced his frustration over the whole incident.
When this happened up north, people were out of their homes for two to three months. What am I supposed to do? How is anybody supposed to live like that? These guys have zero answers for me. They don't know when I can go down there. They don't know how dangerous this chemical is. They know nothing about it. So, who do you call to help? He told me to call 911. I call 911 to get answers; they have no f*****g answers for me," Miller said.
First responders have been doing what they can to assist residents. A 911 operator dispatched a deputy to pick up that little boy's father, who was reunited with his son and wife a few minutes later. The father, visibly upset with burning eyes, just wanted to leave the area. Another deputy was dispatched to pick up medicine in that diabetic boy's house. They also turned off an oven that had ribs left in it.
Despite their efforts, first responders have been unable to provide the one thing residents desperately want: an answer as to how long they will be out of their homes.
In 2005, a railcar in the East End leaked styrene. People were evacuated in a one-mile radius.