On May 6, 2015, another train transporting oil and gas derailed and erupted into flames. The accident marks the fifth high-profile case in as many months and serves as another reminder of the dangers of domestic oil-and-gas production absent safe infrastructure to move it.
The derailment occurred in North Dakota, about 100 miles northeast of Bismark. Of the train’s 109 total cars, 107 were carrying highly flammable crude oil. The resulting fire resulted in evacuations from nearby residents.
The accident came just days after the federal Department of Transportation issued proposed updates to guidelines governing the transport of such materials by rail. Those plans would require phasing out older cars by 2018 and setting higher safety standards for new cars. In light of the string of fires and explosions arising from these derailments, the delayed phase-out has drawn criticism as failing to address the continuing imminent threat of disaster facing communities along the rail lines by which oil and gas is transported.
The trial lawyers at Abraham Watkins have been representing injured people and their families for over sixty years. If you, your business, or someone you know has been harmed by the transportation of hazardous materials, contact an attorney at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner by calling (713) 222-7211 or 713-222-7211.