Late on Sunday night, a 70-car train carrying hazardous materials derailed in North Dakota.
At about 11:15 pm on Sunday, a Canadian Pacific train derailed in rural Wyndmere, North Dakota, about 60 miles southwest of Fargo.
No injuries have been reported, and no fire occurred at the derailment site.
According to Canadian Pacific spokesperson Andy Cummings, 31 of the 70 train cars derailed, and there was a leak of liquid asphalt following the derailment. While this material is flammable, it is expected to solidify due to the cold temperatures and not pose a threat to the surrounding environment.
According to the Richland County Sheriff’s Office, nearby roadways will be blocked off as responders work to clean up the derailment site.
The cleanup process at the derailment site is projected to take about seven to 10 days. Hazardous materials experts are working on the scene with first responders to handle the aftermath.
The rail company Canadian Pacific reported that there is no threat to public safety nor were any waterways nearby at the site of the derailment. Therefore, environmental contamination the likes of what was seen in the East Palestine Norfolk Southern train derailment is not likely.
The nation’s rail system has been making national headlines lately, generating a lot of uncertainty about railroad safety after a fiery train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio contaminated the surrounding communities and forced residents to evacuate the area.
Officials and response teams burned toxic chemicals contained within the derailed train cars, releasing toxic chemicals into the atmosphere and causing an environmental disaster.
While the US Environmental Protection Agency has insisted that the area is no longer contaminated, many people are still concerned about the residents’ safety.