Train with oil derails north of Sisseton Wahpeton Reservation

Friday, January 3, 2014  

A train of oil-tank cars derailed in North Dakota on Monday, prompting a temporary evacuation of a town north of the Sisseton Wahpeton Reservation.

No injuries were reported in Casselton, about 74 miles north of the reservation border. But the accident caused a major fire that will lead to significant cleanup and recovery costs.

Along with similar ones in the past few years, the incident is raising concerns nationwide. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Department of Transportation have issued warnings about the safety of shipping oil via rail.

“It could have been us,” said Fawn Sharp, the president of the Quinault Nation of Washington.

The tribe has been concerned about the increase in oil shipments via rail in Washington. Sharp said the North Dakota incident should raise more alarms.

"The fact is that these accidents can happen anytime," Sharp said. "Such spills cause major jeopardy to health, the environment and the economy."

Get the Story:
Concern Over Safety Grows as More Oil Rides the Rails (The New York Times 1/3)
Southwest North Dakotans not worried about repeat of Casselton (Forum News Service 1/2)
Costs adding up as cleanup begins in Casselton after train derailment (WDAY 1/2)
Casselton, ND, Evacuation Order Lifted After Fiery Train Collision (ABC News 12/31)