Three cars of a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed and overturned overnight Monday near Kiryat Gat in southern Israel.
The train was carrying bromine and potassium, but police said no leaks had been found and that there were no signs of damage beyond the immediate site of the derailment.
A team from the Environmental Protection Ministry arrived at the scene, just south of the city, to ascertain if any danger was posed to nearby residents.
“This was a very serious accident,” Lieutenant-Commander Ofer Shomer of the Kiryat Gat police told Ynet news.
Bromine can be poisonous to humans through inhalation of its fumes or consumption of contaminated materials, such as food and water.
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Police said early Tuesday that the incident was under investigation.
Express train service between Herzliya and Beersheba was canceled Tuesday, as were all trains between Kiryat Gat and Beersheba.
Israel Railways issued a statement telling passengers they would provide alternate means of travel, with some areas providing shuttles between stations.
However, there were reports from many commuters that the shuttles were delayed.
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