Oil train derails and catches fire, prompting evacuation in Heimdal, North Dakota
Modified Date:
Fri, 05/08/2015 - 1:09pmAccident Date:
Wednesday, May 6, 2015Oil train derailment prompts evacuation in North Dakota town
A town of about three dozen people in central North Dakota has been evacuated after an oil train derailed and caught fire.
Oil train derails, catches fire in central North Dakota, prompting evacuation of small town
The derailment Wednesday follows a string of oil train fires linked to the volatile crude from the Bakken region. It's the first since the state in April required companies to reduce the volatility of Bakken crude before it can be transported, raising questions about whether the new standard is sufficient.
Heimdal, North Dakota, Evacuated After Fiery Oil Train Crash
"Today's incident is yet another reminder of why we issued a significant, comprehensive rule aimed at improving the safe transport of high hazard flammable liquids," the FRA said in a statement. "The FRA will continue to look at all options available to us to improve safety and mitigate risks."
Trains roll near Heimdal again
Trains are again rolling through this part of Wells County. Something a BNSF spokeswoman says began about 7:30 this morning just 48 hours after the derailment.
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An oil train derailed near the small town of Heimdal, and 10 of the tanker cars caught fire, creating thick black smoke filling the area. The residents of the nearby town were asked to evacuate. The incident is still under investigation.
Type: Train Accident
City:
Heimdal, NDCounty:
Wells County, ND
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