A train carrying hazardous materials derailed and caught fire in a remote area of North Dakota, but officials have stated that there were no injuries and the threat to nearby residents is minimal. The 29 cars of the CPKC train derailed in an area surrounded by farmland, carrying anhydrous ammonia, sulfur, and methanol. The biggest risk was the ammonia, but officials said the wind was carrying the smoke away from the nearby town of Bordulac.
The fire was still burning as of midday Friday, but officials were optimistic that the risk had greatly subsided due to the favorable wind conditions. Exposure to high concentrations of ammonia can be dangerous, causing burning of the eyes, nose, throat, and respiratory tract, among other symptoms.
Despite the ongoing fire, officials do not currently plan to evacuate nearby residents, but said that could change if the wind shifts. The cause of the derailment is still unknown, but the engineer and conductor were reported to have escaped safely. CPKC stated that they have initiated their emergency response plan and are working on a coordinated response.
CPKC was created last year as a result of a merger between Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern. The incident will be under investigation to determine the cause of the derailment and ensure the safety of nearby residents and the environment.
Source
Photo credit knoxradio.com
Train cars transporting dangerous materials derail and ignite flames in North Dakota
