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Evacuation order lifted in Georgia town after train derailment

Train derailment in eastern Georgia  

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ga. — Residents are allowed back in their homes hours after a train carrying chemical derailed in Jefferson County.

The Jefferson County, Ga. Sheriff's Office said emergency crews have deemed the evacuation area safe.

The derailment happened near Highway 171 at Highway 24 in the town of Bartow.

The train crew was able to make it safely to a nearby crossing and were taken to Jefferson Hospital for evaluation. The crew confirmed that there was a possible leak from one of the derailed cars.

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Officials with Norfolk Southern recommended anyone within a 7-mile radius of Bartow should evacuate immediately. A short time later, the evacuation zone was reduced to 3 miles. Around 7 a.m., authorities said the evacuation has been lifted.

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