A train derailment in North Dakota, involving outdated tank cars known for safety issues, highlights the ongoing challenges of phasing out these hazardous models.
Josh Funk reports for The Associated Press.
In short:
- On July 5, a train derailment near Bordulac, North Dakota, involved 17 tank cars carrying hazardous materials, including outdated DOT-111 tank cars.
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has called for replacing these cars due to their tendency to rupture in accidents, a process set for completion by 2029.
- The derailment caused $3.6 million in damages, though no injuries were reported, as the site was remote and only two homes were evacuated.
Why this matters:
The continued use of outdated DOT-111 tank cars poses significant risks in transporting hazardous materials. Accelerating their replacement is crucial to prevent similar incidents and enhance rail safety.
