News Releases for January 2002
January 17, 2002
For further information, please Contact the Governor's Office
Statement Of Governor John Hoeven On Minot Train Derailment
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven today issued the following statement pertaining to the Canadian Pacific train derailment in Minot during the early morning hours of January 18:
A Canadian Pacific train derailed shortly before 2:00 a.m. this morning on the west edge of Minot. The derailment resulted in the release of anhydrous ammonia, a toxic substance that is used as a farm fertilizer. This gas can burn the nose and throat.
Local law enforcement, emergency personnel and health officials were immediately dispatched to the scene and are on the scene and responding to the incident at this time.
I have activated the State Emergency Operations Center and offered state assistance.
Our first concern is the safety of citizens in the Minot area. Please remain calm and follow the guidance provided by emergency professionals who are providing information to the public via radio and television on a regular basis.
A public shelter has been set up at the Edison elementary school in southwestern Minot. Authorities are directing residents to remain in their homes if possible and take the necessary precautions: use wet towels under doors and windows to seal all gaps to the outside.
I repeat, please stay calm and follow the guidance given by local emergency authorities.
For further information, contact Emergency Manager Thom Mellum at 701-833-6536 or Don Canton at 701-391-5572.
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