The recent derailment in North Dakota, which resulted in a massive fire lasting several days, has brought renewed attention to the flawed DOT-111 tank cars. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been advocating for the replacement of these tank cars for decades due to their tendency to rupture during train crashes.
Details of the Incident
The July 5 derailment near Bordulac, North Dakota, caused an estimated $3.6 million in damage to the CPKC railroad tracks and equipment. The NTSB’s preliminary report, released on August 1, provided limited information on the cause of the crash but highlighted the involvement of DOT-111 tank cars among the 17 cars carrying hazardous materials that derailed.
History of DOT-111 Tank Cars
The DOT-111 tank cars have a long history of problems, particularly their propensity to rupture in crashes. The NTSB has recommended their elimination for hazardous materials transport since the 1990s. Congress mandated their replacement for flammable liquids by 2029, but they may still be used for other hazardous materials. The Federal Railroad Administration has indicated that advancing this deadline by a year might be possible, but the limited capacity of tank car manufacturers and the high replacement costs for chemical and leasing companies make a significant acceleration challenging.
Investigation and Future Assessments
As part of the ongoing investigation, the NTSB will conduct a detailed damage assessment of the DOT-111 tank cars and the newer, more robust tank cars involved in the crash. This follows a similar incident in East Palestine, Ohio, where DOT-111 cars ruptured and spilled hazardous materials, exacerbating the disaster.
Impact and Response
In the North Dakota derailment, the impact was relatively contained due to the sparsely populated area. Only two homes were evacuated, and there were no reported injuries. The train, traveling at 45 mph, was within the speed limit of 50 mph for trains carrying hazardous materials. An emergency brake application occurred before the derailment, but it remains unclear if it was initiated by the crew or automatically.
This incident underscores the urgent need for safer tank car standards to prevent future derailments and mitigate their potential damage. The NTSB’s ongoing efforts and investigations aim to ensure safer rail transport of hazardous materials.
Source:
https://www.ttnews.com/articles/ntsb-weak-rail-tank-cars
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