CASSELTON, N.D. (KFGO-AM) -- BSNF says it appears a broken rail caused a major derailment, involving two trains, 2 miles west of Casselton. The site, is directly north of the Tharaldson ethanol plant and within a mile of last December's fiery oil train derailment that forced the partial evacuation of the town.
BNSF railway's Amy McBeth says the track was visually inspected earlier in the day with no problems found. She says preliminary information indicates 21 cars of an eastbound train carrying lumber and paper products derailed shortly after 5:30 p.m. Thursday. The wreckage was then struck by a westbound train carrying empty oil trankers. 12 cars on that train derailed. McBeth says the tracks should both be re-opened by late Friday.
Casselton Fire Chief Tim McLean says when he was notified, he hoped it wasn't "an anniversary deal like last year." He says fortunately, it turned out better because this time there was no fire or hazardous material spill.
Mayor Lee Anderson says the town was lucky. But he says two derailments within a year are two too many.
Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney says the latest derailment raises serious questions about rail safety.