In a remote area of North Dakota, 29 rail cars carrying hazardous materials derailed and burst into flames early Friday morning. The incident occurred near the town of Bordulac, about 140 miles northwest of Fargo. The cars were carrying anhydrous ammonia, sulfur, and methanol, with the ammonia posing the biggest risk. Fortunately, officials reported that no one was hurt and there was minimal threat to residents living nearby.
Bill Suess, spill investigation program manager for the North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality, stated that the wind was blowing the smoke away from the town of Bordulac, which has around 20 residents. While exposure to high concentrations of ammonia can be dangerous, health officials said the risk had greatly subsided due to favorable winds. An evacuation of nearby residents was not planned at that moment, but officials indicated that this could change if the wind direction shifted.
The cause of the derailment is currently unknown, but emergency personnel were on the scene, working to contain the fire that was still burning as of midday Friday. CPKC, a result of a merger between Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern, stated that they had initiated their emergency response plan and launched a coordinated effort to address the situation.
Authorities are closely monitoring the situation and taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of residents and the environment. The investigation into the cause of the derailment is ongoing, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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