ANACORTES, Wash. — Two BNSF trains derailed on Thursday in separate incidents in Arizona and Washington, the latter spilling diesel fuel on tribal lands along Puget Sound.
No injuries have been reported. The cause of either derailment was not clear.
The derailment in Washington occurred on an embankment along Padilla Bay on the Swinomish Tribal Reservation near Anacortes. Most of the spilled diesel fuel escaped on land rather than on the surface, according to the state’s Department of Environment.
Officials said there was no indication the spill had reached the water or affected wildlife.
Responders installed booms along the shoreline as a precautionary measure and removed remaining fuel from the two derailed locomotives. The four tank cars remained upright.
A train carrying corn syrup was involved in a derailment in western Arizona near the California-Nevada border. Anita Mortensen, a spokeswoman for the Mojave County Sheriff’s Office, said she was not aware of any spills or leaks.
BNSF spokeswoman Lena Kent said an estimated eight vehicles had derailed in Arizona, blocking a highway. The cause of the derailment was under investigation and it was not immediately known when the tracks would be reopened.
The derailment comes amid heightened national concern about rail safety, following a series of derailments involving Michigan, Alabama and other states, following a severe derailment in Ohio last month. Did.
Federal data shows that the United States averages about three train derailments per day, but relatively few cause disasters.
A freight train carrying hazardous chemicals last month Derailed in East Palestine, Ohioa fire broke out near the Pennsylvania border, forcing hundreds to evacuate.
In an attempt to avert an uncontrolled explosion, officials intentionally set five railcars on fire by releasing toxic PVC, sending flames and black smoke high into the air. So despite authorities claiming they are doing their best to protect people, people have started to question the potential health effects.
CapRadio provides a reliable news source thanks to you. As a non-profit organization, donations from people like you support journalism that allows our audiences to discover the stories that matter. If you believe in what we do and support our mission, donate today.
