Derailment after derailment. They just keep happening.
Since early February, there have been numerous derailments in North America carrying crude from North Dakota’s Bakken Shale. These accidents have sparked increased calls from citizens, the rail industry and lawmakers for the federal government to increase safety regulations.
To keep up with these incidents and new safety regulations, PublicSource provides a roundup of stories every Friday.
Crude oil train derails outside of Philadelphia
A train carrying crude oil derailed in a Norfolk Southern rail yard in King of Prussia on Friday morning. No spills or leaks have been reported.
Wisconsin sees two derailments in one weekend
A day after a BNSF train derailed in Wisconsin, spilling up to 20,000 gallons of ethanol into the Mississippi River, a second train traveling in the state on Nov. 8 sent 13 cars off the tracks in and leaked crude oil. There were no injuries in either accident.
After weekend derailments, Wisconsin lawmakers introduce bill
The proposed rail safety legislation would fund more rail safety inspectors and training for first responders and would require railroads to submit emergency prevention and response plans to the state.
Downed train caused by broken rail
The Canadian Pacific crude oil train that derailed in Wisconsin on Nov. 8 was caused by a broken rail, according to company officials. Track failure is one of the leading causes of derailments.
Keystone XL failure could mean more crude oil trains
Analysts say rail shippers could eventually see a “modest boost” from the failed pipeline project, according to Energy & Environmental News.
Reach Natasha Khan at nkhan@publicsource.org or 412-315-0261. Follow her on Twitter @khantasha.
