:dumpster-fire: :dumpster-fire: :train-shining:
A train hauling ethanol and corn syrup derailed and caught fire in Minnesota early Thursday and nearby residents were ordered to evacuate their homes, authorities said.
The BNSF train derailed in the town of Raymond, roughly 100 miles (161 kilometers) west of Minneapolis, about 1 a.m., according to a statement from Kandiyohi County Sheriff Eric Tollefson.
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The major freight railroads have said they plan to add about 1,000 more trackside detectors nationwide to help spot equipment problems, but federal regulators and members of Congress have proposed additional reforms they want the railroads to make to prevent future derailments.
BNSF said in a statement that 22 cars derailed, but that no injuries were reported due to the accident. EPA officials said on Twitter that four ethanol cars ruptured and caught fire in the derailment, and they continued to burn shortly before 10 a.m. Thursday morning.
“The main track is blocked and an estimated time for reopening the line is not available,” according to the statement from BNSF spokesperson Lena Kent. “The cause of the incident is under investigation.”
Homes in an area 1/2 mile (0.8 kilometers) around the site were evacuated, according to Tollefson, and residents were taken to a shelter in nearby Prinsburg.
U.S. Transportation Secretary :pete: told CNN that about 14 cars were carrying hazardous materials. BNSF said the only hazardous material on board was ethanol.
“We’ve been in touch with the governor,” :lmayo: said, and Environmental Protection Agency officials were en route to the site “given the hazardous material situation.” The EPA started monitoring the air around the derailment for toxic chemicals by 6:30 a.m. Thursday.
How about those sick days they stole from rail workers for one. Congress sure is enjoying all this reaping