LAFAYETTE, La. (AP) - Thousands have been ordered out of homes, businesses and a nursing home in Louisiana after six cars of a freight train derailed, causing one of them to leak hydrochloric acid.

The Lafayette Parish sheriff's office says at least five people, including two railroad workers, were taken to a hospital where they were treated for skin and eye irritation.

Police went door-to-door in the affected area, advising people to take enough supplies for about 48 hours.

One man who'd lost his home in Katrina and was staying with a friend said he didn't have time to grab his medications, but that compared to the hurricane this "is gravy."

The Red Cross has set up a shelter in a high school that can handle up to 500 people.

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