Rail cars carrying hazardous materials derailed in North Dakota, igniting a fire that continued for more than 12 hours. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries, and officials believe the risk to nearby residents is minimal. The CPKC train derailed in a remote area northwest of Fargo, with 29 cars off the tracks. Responders worked to combat the flames by Friday afternoon, succeeding in reducing the fire, but challenges remained due to the location surrounded by water.
The derailed cars contained anhydrous ammonia, sulfur, and methanol, with ammonia posing the most significant risk. However, the wind was dispersing the smoke away from the nearby town, sparing its roughly 20 residents from immediate danger. While ammonia exposure can have severe health effects, officials reported that the risk had lessened with favorable wind conditions.
Despite the ongoing fire, evacuation of the nearby residents was not deemed necessary at the time. Officials mentioned the possibility of changes based on wind patterns. The exact cause of the derailment remained unknown, but both the engineer and conductor escaped unharmed. Approximately 10 to 15 rail cars were engulfed in flames, as depicted in videos showing the intense blaze.
A railroad fire crew was present at the scene, and CPKC stated that it had activated its emergency response plan promptly. The incident involved a merged entity from the previous year, the Canadian Pacific Railway and Kansas City Southern.
