News Releases for January 2002
January 18, 2002
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Hoeven Updates State on Minot Train Derailment
BISMARCK, N.D. - Governor John Hoeven said this afternoon that North Dakota’s Emergency Management community teamed up to respond quickly and efficiently this morning to a train derailment west of Minot. The situation is ongoing, Hoeven said, but it has stabilized.
A Canadian Pacific Railway train derailed at approximately 1:45 a.m. this morning. More than twenty cars were involved; some of the tanker cars ruptured and released anhydrous ammonia into the air. Earthmovers, a hazardous-materials contractor for the Canadian Pacific Railway, is building a road to the site, which borders the Souris River. The North Dakota National Guard called in the Minnesota National Guard 55th Civil Support team, which arrived about mid-afternoon to provide supplemental support.
A team from the National Transportation Safety Board will arrive early this evening to determine the cause of the derailment. Environmental Protection Agency personnel are also en route.
The train was traveling through North Dakota from Canada en route to Minneapolis.
“We had a very serious situation this morning - a real test of our preparedness and response capability - and it could have been much worse had it not been for the quick response of our emergency management teams,” Hoeven said. “In particular, our first responders from Minot, the surrounding area and the Minot Air Force Base did an outstanding job.”
As of about 4:30 p.m. today, one fatality had been reported as a result of the early morning accident. Thirteen people remain hospitalized, six in intensive care. Approximately thirty homes remain evacuated. Local officials are uncertain at this time when evacuated residents can return to their homes.
The train was carrying anhydrous ammonia gas, a chemical used in farming as a fertilizer. This gas can burn the nose and throat, causing respiratory distress. Hoeven has encouraged citizens to monitor local media for updates, and adhere to the precautions advised by local health and emergency management officials. Individuals who believe they are showing severe symptoms of exposure should call 911.
“Although we’re still working with local officials to monitor the situation, and we continue our cleanup efforts, residents outside of the affected area southwest of the city are free to go about their business as usual,” Hoeven said.
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