BNSF Train Hauling Coal Derails in Bismarck, ND

March 21st, 2011 |

BISMARCK, ND – On Friday, March 18, 2011 a BNSF train derailed in east Bismarck, ND, causing 14 rail cars loaded with coal to leave the tracks.

Fourteen rail cars hauling coal tipped over in BNSF train derailment in Bismarck, ND on Friday, March 18, 2011. Thirteen rail cars were destroyed in the incident.

Bismarck is in Burleigh County, North Dakota in the central part of the state about 6 miles southeast of Mandan.

The accident happened in the 100 block of South Airport Road at about 5:00 a.m. in the morning. According to an article in the KXnet.com website, the train’s conductor told police that the engine lost air supply, which caused several cars to flip over, but railroad officials do not know the exact cause of the accident at this time. It is too early to tell, so the railroad has begun an an ongoing investigation into the accident.

The 101 car BNSF train was traveling eastbound and was pulling 20 to 30 rail cars full of coal at the time of the mishap.

Location of BNSF train derailment in east Bismark, ND in the 100 block of South Airport Road.

There was some damage caused by the accident, but fortunately, no injuries were reported and no railroad workers were injured in the incident. Also there were no hazardous materials involved and no evacuations were ordered.

Thirteen rail cars were destroyed in the incident. Only one of the derailed cars was able to be salvaged. Some of the track was damaged in the incident. The tracks were immediately closed and repairs would have to be made to them. Railroad officials said that the destroyed rail cars would have to be broken down and taken away from the site, then scrapped.

Railroad officials estimate that the tracks will be opened by Saturday. Traffic would be re-routed until then because this was the one main track in the Bismarck area. The spilled coal is to be hauled away in trucks and taken to landfills.

Published by FELA lawyer Gordon &amp Elias, LLP