(AL) Several Decatur, Morgan & Limestone Schools Dismiss Due to Suspicious Package Near Daikin Plant

WHNT News (Local Affiliate) ^ | 21 NOV 2013 | Claire Aiello

[Old Sarge]

Several schools in Decatur, Morgan County and Limestone County are dismissing due to a suspicious situation at the Daikin facility on Highway 20.

Police say a suspicious device was found attached to a rail car at the facility. The rail car contains hazardous material. No other information about the train car involved or the nature of the device was immediately available.

Police say the estimated potential danger zone is 25 miles. Current weather conditions indicate that the greatest danger area would be to the northeast should an explosion occur. The intersection of State Docks Road and Highway 20 West can be used as a reference point.

[Qwackertoo]

I don’t know, they haven’t said. But considering evacuating schools in THREE counties, Morgan, Limestone and Lawrence, that seems pretty significant but perhaps the county lines all converge right there around the river @ Decatur area.

Seems it would have to be west or south, as further north-east would be into Huntsville . . . for moving the rail car. Via remote operated locomotive? Or FBI or Bomb squad operating locomotive or something to pull it with?

[alancarp]

Info I'm getting suggests they aren't touching it... the 25 mile evacuation zone is the real eye-opening bit.

[no-to-illegals]

Thanks will go take a look at some maps.

[RoosterRedux]

The Redstone Arsenal is about 20 miles ENE.

[Qwackertoo]

News conference scheduled for 11:30 by Morgan County EMA.

Local officials will hold a news conference at 11:30 a.m. at the Morgan County Emergency Management Agency to give the latest information.
Roads
At this time, no roads are closed, according to Decatur Police. Highway 20 may close in the near future, if the bomb squad needs to close it to approach, but it is not closed at this time.

River
All vessels on the Tennessee River are asked not to approach the Daikin area.

[no-to-illegals]

If real they best not back away ... Plan is needed not keystone actions.

[no-to-illegals]

crap ...

[alancarp]

That said... the 25-mile evac zone... I see nothing about an evac of the city of Decatur, AL, which is certainly within 25 miles (more like with 5-7 miles).

[Qwackertoo]

Also added, authorities are going door to door within a 5 mile radius . . . with a stay in place type warning . . . until further notice.

[refermech]

Hopefully it’s just a shipment of dope/S

[alancarp]

The Redstone Arsenal is about 20 miles ENE.

Thanks for the reminder.... I guess I'm also within 25 miles, then! :/

[no-to-illegals]

odd only 5 miles yet 25 ordered.

[detch]

North Alabama

[no-to-illegals]

25 down to 5 (stay in place) strikes as odd. Wonder what is in the rail car? Any clue on the rail car load?

[Qwackertoo]

the wording on the 25 miles is “potential danger zone”

so I’m guessing the schools and community college with the students is out of an “abundance of caution” ???

[no-to-illegals]

Thanks ... assessment reasonable.

[Qwackertoo]

not yet . . . they still aren’t saying. Last update on whnt website 11:04 and EMA conference at 11:30.

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

I just happened to catch my SIL who was headed to that area from H’ville. Caught her just in time so she could turn around. It would have been a mess and she’s due in court at 1:30.

[RushIsMyTeddyBear]

MAJOR industrial area down hwy 20 and it runs along side the Tenn river.

[no-to-illegals]

your key ... I agree ... they are not saying.