UPDATE: CSX says powder leaked by overturned train 'poses no safety risk'

1 p.m. update:

The material that leaked from one of the overturned rail cars near downtown Quincy is not hazardous and "poses no safety risk," CSX Transportation said in a statement.

About seven rail cars on a CSX train destined for Waycross, Georgia, derailed just after 6 a.m. today near the Pat Thomas Parkway grade crossing in Quincy

"No injuries or environmental impacts were reported," the company reported.

Authorities on the scene initially advised onlookers the substance was hazardous and ordered them to stay 75-100 feet away from the rail cars. Gadsden County Sheriff's Office at the time identified the substance as acetic acid, the main component of vinegar, but CSX later said it was adipic acid.

"Two of the rail cars spilled a small amount of adipic acid, which is a solid chemical commonly used in the production of gelatin food products," the company said. "While this product poses no safety risk to the public, CSX contractors on site are taking standard precautions as they work to clean up the area."

PubChem, an open chemistry database powered by the National Institutes of Health, says of adipic acid:

"Adipic acid is a white crystalline solid. It is insoluble in water. The primary hazard is the threat to the environment. Immediate steps should be taken to limit its spread to the environment. It is used to make plastics and foams and for other uses."

Maj. Shawn Wood Gadsden County Sheriff's Office acknowledged the powder was not hazardous Tuesday afternoon.

10 a.m. update:

Authorities are warning that a “hazardous material” is being leaked from one of the cars of a freight train that derailed in downtown Quincy Tuesday morning.

At about 9:30 a.m., Quincy Police Chief Glenn Sapp said the cause of the derailment was still under investigation.

Those at the scene were instructed by the Quincy Fire Department to stay 75-100 feet away from the overturned rail cars, one of which had ruptured and leaked a white, powdery substance called acetic acid.

Blustery winds would occasionally blow the substance up into the air, causing onlookers to cover their faces.

“A CSX (Transportation) train was travelling eastbound, it had about eight cars, and it derailed and came off the tracks. The cause has not been determined yet,” Sapp said.

Mark Hollis, who lives less than a quarter mile from the tracks near downtown Quincy, said he heard the commotion as the train was derailing early Tuesday morning. Hollis added trains pass through nearly every day, but this one sounded different.

“It was about 6:40 (a.m.) when I got up and I heard a train running, like it was going way too fast, and all the sudden it started making a loud, thunder-like sound,” Hollis said. “So I came to the road and looked over there, it was all laying on its side.”

Florida Department of Transportation assisted Quincy PD and Fire Department on the scene.

Check back to Tallahassee.com for more updates

9:30 a.m. update:

About 10 rail cars came off the tracks in downtown Quincy Tuesday morning leaving a major roadway blocked but injuring no one.

The train derailed at about 6 a.m. at the intersection with Pat Thomas Parkway, according to Gadsden County Sheriff Investigator Thomas Perkins, but officials are still working to right it and clear the road.

Traffic is being rerouted throughout the area by the Quincy Police Department. CSX officials, who operate the rail system, have crews en route to right the train.

GCSO Maj. Shawn Wood said the train was carrying acetic acid, which has spilled onto the tracks. Acetic acid is the main component of vinegar.

Wood said the Florida Department of Environmental Protection was on the scene and a CSX crane was being brought in to clear the tracks.

Wood said he expected the roadway to be blocked for most of the day.

This is a developing story. Check back with Tallahassee.com for more information.