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First Responders File Lawsuit In Paulsboro Train Derailment

WOODBURY, N.J. (AP) -- Fifteen first responders have filed a lawsuit claiming Conrail was negligent in the aftermath of a train derailment and chemical spill in southern New Jersey last year.

The suit was filed Wednesday in state Superior Court.

Hundreds of people who live or work near the site of the Nov. 30 derailment in Paulsboro have sued or plan to over exposure to vinyl chloride that was released from a ruptured tanker car.

In the latest suit, the public safety workers contend that Conrail officials were telling them that the cloud of gas was "not that toxic" even though the company knew there were dangerous levels of it.

Vinyl chloride has been linked to cancer in high amounts.

A Conrail spokesman says the company will respond in court.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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