Another train derailment in America, local residents evacuated due to explosion risk

The train, operated by the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad, derailed at 1 a.m. local time in Raymond, Minnesota. Several fire departments attended the scene. As several wagons carrying “a form of ethanol” caught fire, an immediate evacuation of local residents within an 800-meter radius around the incident site was initiated. There were no fatalities or injuries in the crash, according to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. He also said he was following the situation “closely” via Twitter.

The incident is reminiscent of a similar derailment with a freight train in Ohio, East Palestine, two months ago. As a result of the accident, a huge fire broke out and hundreds of people were evacuated as a precaution. The train in question contained vinyl chloride, a carcinogenic and highly flammable chemical used in the manufacture of plastics.

Railway officials then released “controlled” vinyl chloride from the burning wagons to prevent a possible explosion. Toxic fumes were released into the air, drawing much criticism from authorities. Some residents have symptoms such as headaches and rashes, and fear they may develop cancer in a few years. An investigation is currently underway.

In America, derailment is common. For example, in 2022 alone, about 1,164 trains derailed, an average of three per day.