LAWRENCE, Mass. -- Nearby residents were evacuated Thursday afternoon after a freight train derailed between Broadway and Parker streets.

One of the train cars was punctured and leaking the chemical sulfur chlorate, according to police chief John Romero. Police blocked off streets in the area so that the fire department could effectively respond to the situation.

A white powder could be seen on the tracks near the train car. Residents living downwind of the derailment were asked to leave their homes.

The South Lawrence East school at 165 Crawford Street was set up as an evacuation center. Romero said residents in 15 to 20 homes were asked to leave.

No injuries were reported.

Guilford Railroad, which owns the train, declined immediate comment on the situation.

NewsCenter 5 and TheBostonChannel.com will have more details as they become available.