A train carrying hazardous materials derailed in Michigan Thursday, Feb. 16. That makes two in not quite two weeks. In this second incident, six cars – including one containing hazardous materials – were reportedly off the rails in Van Buren Township, about 30 miles out of Detroit. Police told Fox News reporters that there were no injuries thus far, and that the area, at this point, is not a hazmat situation. They have closed roads for the duration of the investigation, however. As of yet, the cause remains unknown – but that’s far from the only question to be answered.
Hazardous Materials by Rail – What’s the Problem Now?
When it comes to transporting large amounts of material over long distances, it’s hard to beat the railroad. According to Union Pacific, one train of tanker cars can move about as much product as 300 trucks. Looking at it from the fuel cost perspective, one ton of freight will make it about 480 miles on a single gallon of diesel – which is three to four times more fuel efficient than trucks.
The amount of hazardous materials moved by rail over the years may well be impossible to calculate. Suffice to say, however, that the numbers are astronomical. And, historically, rail has generally proven safer than trucks. But two derailments in less than two weeks? A big question at this point is whether the same issue caused both incidents and, if so, what’s the problem and how can it be solved?
Where’s Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg?
Another question that arises is one asked by local residents at a town hall held at the high school gym in East Palestine, OH, Wednesday night: “Where’s Pete Buttigieg?”
Pete Buttigieg (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)
“I don’t know,” responded Mayor Trent Conaway. “Your guess is as good as mine.” He told those in attendance that Tuesday was the first time he had heard from the White House at all. EPA Administrator Michael Regan is in East Palestine today to discuss the agency’s environmental response, a DOT spokesperson told Fox News Digital in an email.
“Secretary Buttigieg has spoken with both Governor DeWine and Governor Shapiro about DOT’s specific role in supporting The NTSB investigation,” the email continued. “When the investigation is finished, Secretary Buttigieg asked about joining the governors in East Palestine to collaborate on steps to improve rail safety and hold Norfolk Southern accountable.”
The second train was also operated by Norfolk Southern, so issues on their end will certainly be investigated. However, potential problems with the infrastructure itself can’t yet be ruled out. But be it operator error, infrastructure failure, or mere happenstance, two derailments in two weeks – especially involving hazardous materials – is a grave concern. People might feel better about promises the transportation secretary will show up, even if only after the investigation, if they didn’t have to wonder when and where it will happen again.
