Fifty-two Paulsboro residents filed a lawsuit against Conrail and its parent companies Tuesday, seeking compensation, punitive damages, and medical surveillance after a train derailment Nov. 30 released thousands of gallons of toxic vinyl chloride into the atmosphere.
The suit is the third of its kind since the incident. Two others were filed last month, also citing Conrail, CSX Corp., and Norfolk Southern Corp.
Of the seven cars that derailed, four fell into Mantua Creek and one breached, causing the leak of the hazardous chemical and forcing nearly 700 residents from their homes.
The plaintiffs, according to the suit, have suffered from chest pains and coughing fits as a result of their exposure to the chemical, and fear they may contract serious illnesses.
