A train carrying crude oil derailed and caught fire in Wells County, N.D., today, less than a week after the U.S. and Canada issued new crude-by-rail safety rules. Via Reuters, about 40 residents of nearby Heimdal, N.D., were evacuated after as many as 10 tank cars derailed. No injuries were reported.
BNSF said the tank cars that derailed were CPC-1232 models, which have replaced older DOT-111 tank cars recently but will be phased out under the new rules. The new rules mandate stronger tank cars with thicker shells, thermal jackets, head shields and electronically controlled pneumatic brakes, among other features.
A BNSF train with CPC-1232 tank cars derailed and caught fire in rural Illinois in March.
MORE SAFETY NEWS: Bills seeks training for crude-by-rail accident first responders
