DeSmog

Facebook-f X-twitter
Subscribe
Donate
Donate

DeSmog

Donate
Search
Search

North Dakota Crude Oil Train Derails, Cars Explode, Residents Warned To Stay Inside

Brendan DeMelle DeSmog
By Brendan DeMelle
on

A train carrying crude oil from the Bakken shale derailed in Casselton, North Dakota today, with fiery results. Residents have reported multiple explosions, many have now been evacuated and others advised to shelter in place to avoid the toxic plumes of smoke enveloping the area.

ValleyNewsLive.com, the local media outlet, reports on Facebook that approximately 65% of residents have evacuated the area.

Watch footage of one of the explosions, courtesy of Dan Gunderson, recorded by KFGO listener, Darrin Radermacher: 

Reuters reports that:

Local residents heard five powerful explosions just a mile outside of the small town of Casselton after a westbound 112-car train carrying soybeans derailed. An eastbound 106-car train hauling crude oil ran into it just after 2 p.m. CST, local officials said. There were no injuries in the collision that left 21 rail cars on fire, according to BNSF.

Residents within 5 miles of Casselton were urged to evacuate to avoid contact with the smoke. Residents within 10 miles were asked to remain indoors.

Here is some of the media coverage of the disaster so far: 
Associated Press
ABC News
Gawker
ValleyNewsLive.com (ND)
Reuters

ValleyNewsLive.com has reporters on the scene, stay tuned for their updates via Facebook and on the website. Here is their latest report: 
Valley News Live – KVLY/KXJB – Fargo/Grand Forks

Stay tuned for more details.

By Brendan DeMelle
Brendan DeMelle DeSmog
Brendan is Executive Director of DeSmog. He is also a writer focused on disinformation and corporate accountability.

Related Posts

uk/Senior UK Politicians to Mix With Oil Execs, Far-Right Figures, and Anti-Abortion Activists at London Conference
ByUnearthed Reporters and Sam Bright
on

Parliamentarians are “lending legitimacy” to a “toxic alliance” of attendees at Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, campaigners warn.

Parliamentarians are “lending legitimacy” to a “toxic alliance” of attendees at Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, campaigners warn.
Series: Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, Defending Democracy from Dirty Money
Series: Alliance for Responsible Citizenship, Defending-UK-Democracy
Her Son Died of a Rare Bone Cancer. Could Radioactive Fracking Waste Be to Blame?
ByJustin Nobel
on

An on-the-ground investigation in Pennsylvania finds unprotected radioactive material next to a popular bike and walking trail.

An on-the-ground investigation in Pennsylvania finds unprotected radioactive material next to a popular bike and walking trail.
Janice Blanock leaning on the fence dividing a running and biking trail from the Cecil oil and gas waste yard.
Drilling in the Mouth of the Amazon: How Brazil’s Oil Giant Is Drowning Out Critics
ByTJ Jordan and Maria Clara Parente
on

As fishing communities fight back, Petrobras is going all out to control the narrative, a DeSmog investigation finds.

As fishing communities fight back, Petrobras is going all out to control the narrative, a DeSmog investigation finds.
Series: Holding the Advertising and Public Relations Industry Accountable for Greenwash and Climate Misinformation
Series: Advertising & PR Industry
Analysis
Why We Can’t Have Nice Things Like a Real Sovereign Wealth Fund 
ByMitch Anderson
on

Carney’s “Canada Strong” fund exposes the nation’s resource kryptonite: leaving critical decisions to local governments captured by industry interests.

Carney’s “Canada Strong” fund exposes the nation’s resource kryptonite: leaving critical decisions to local governments captured by industry interests.