Credits:CNN
A train derailed early Friday morning in the small town of Bordulac, North Dakota, igniting several cars carrying hazardous materials, according to local authorities.
Foster County Emergency Management Director Andrew Kirking informed CNN that 911 was notified of the derailment between 3:30 a.m. and 4 a.m. local time. The derailment occurred about 140 miles northwest of Fargo, with 25 to 30 cars derailed.
Kirking reported that the train was transporting “intact hazardous materials,” prompting authorities to monitor the air quality near the incident. The North Dakota Department of Environmental Quality revealed that the train was carrying anhydrous ammonia, sulfur, and methanol. Anhydrous ammonia, used as a nitrogen-based fertilizer, can be extremely dangerous in high quantities, potentially causing explosions and severe burns.
In a Facebook post, the department stated it is overseeing the remediation and cleanup efforts. Local crews, including the Carrington Fire Department, regional hazardous materials officials, and Canadian Pacific, responded to the scene. Crews are expected to work through Friday night to extinguish the fires, cool the rail cars, and safely remove the hazardous materials. Preparations are also underway to bring in heavy equipment to remove the derailed cars.
“Our focus is on keeping residents safe, stabilizing the incident, and minimizing environmental impact,” Kirking said Friday night.
Canadian Pacific Kansas City, the train operator, stated that it is continuing a comprehensive, coordinated response in collaboration with local officials. “CPKC response crews, including senior officers from our operations, environmental, and hazardous materials teams, are on scene coordinating closely with emergency response officials. The safety of the public and emergency responders is CPKC’s first priority,” the company said in a statement.
Crews are attempting to bridge a gap over a bog to fight the fires and position heavy equipment to move the train cars. Kirking mentioned that they used two pumping trailers to douse the derailed cars. “Our objective is to get the fire out in the next 12 to 18 hours,” Kirking stated. “We are starting to get a little water on it right now.”
Removing the train cars is expected to be a more tedious process, likely taking more than a week or two. Residents within a one-mile radius of the derailment were notified of the incident and potential hazards, leading to a voluntary evacuation.
The cause of the derailment is still under investigation. Kirking noted that the engineer and conductor, the only people on board, escaped safely. He added that based on the elevation, the spill material can be contained around the railroad tracks and is not expected to impact any water sources. However, an environmental crew will set up to prevent any pollution.
The National Transportation Safety Board announced in a post on X that it is investigating the derailment.