Another USA freight train crash

[Acathater]

Another USA freight train crash involving some hazardous materials
This time one tank is said to be carrying isopropanol so not particularly toxic, just flammable. No news on what's in the rest of the train

MSN

Hazmat team deployed after train carrying 'hazardous material' derails suddenly​

A freight train said to be carrying hazardous material has derailed near a small town in the US, prompting authorities to urge residents to seek shelter.

A hazmat team has been deployed to the crash site in Bensalem, Bucks County in Pennsylvania after the train came off the rails at around 2.20pm on Tuesday.

Two cars are believed to be carrying hazardous materials. The Mirror US reports, one of which is listed as holding flammable isopropanol solution.

Forty cars have been involved in the derailment, according to local news.

Bensalem Public Safety Director William McVey said no injuries have been reported yet, and added that there may be hazardous materials on the train.

It is not yet known what caused the train to derail.

In a statement on Facebook, Pennsylvania Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick said a one-mile shelter is in place for those close to the derailment zone to seek shelter.

"My office is working directly with local officials and first responders, as well as the Department of Transportation, following the freight train derailment in Bensalem near Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls Train Station. This was a freight derailment and did not occur on commuter rail lines," he wrote.


"Local officials have reported several cars involved, which may contain hazardous materials. At this time, no injuries have been reported. We will not have further confirmed information until the Hazmat Team is on scene and able to assess the rail cars.

"A one-mile shelter-in-place order is currently in effect. Anyone within that area should remain indoors, bring pets and other animals inside, close windows, doors, and vents, and turn off heating and air conditioning systems until further notice."

 

[swt_passenger]

This sort of derailment seems unfortunately common in the USA? I think reports suggest they pointed out it wasn’t a commuter line, so is that implying freight tracks are generally lower quality??

 

[AdamWW]

This sort of derailment seems unfortunately common in the USA? I think reports suggest they pointed out it wasn’t a commuter line, so is that implying freight tracks are generally lower quality??

If you have half an hour to spare and want to learn more about this, I'd highly recommend finding the "Freight Trains" episode of John Oliver's "Last week tonight" on Youtube.
It's very interesting (as well as amusing) and judging by the comments also accurate.
And there's a brilliant bonus at the end.

 

[Ant1966]

"Freight Trains" episode of John Oliver's "Last week tonight" on Youtube

Thats a brilliant 30 minutes; especially the last few minutes! Some of the facts look a bit exaggerated maybe (are there really Hazardous cargo freight trains in NYC?) but the general vibe is spot on. Its become fashionable to take the mick out of the US recently (for good reason) but I cant imagine any UK Top rated TV shows doing a 30 minute segment on Rail safety. Well worth a look, and a read of the comments as Adam says. Scary stuff.

 

[Acathater]

If you have half an hour to spare and want to learn more about this, I'd highly recommend finding the "Freight Trains" episode of John Oliver's "Last week tonight" on Youtube.
It's very interesting (as well as amusing) and judging by the comments also accurate.
And there's a brilliant bonus at the end.

Link to that video