CN train derailment near Sardis prompts federal safety review

The CN train derailment in Mississippi derailed 21 cars on July 6, 2025, spilled hazardous materials, and triggered an NTSB investigation into track safety and operational procedures. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

CN train derailment and hazardous material spill

A Canadian National freight train derailed while detouring over the Grenada Railroad near Sardis, Mississippi, after encountering a sharp track misalignment on a 130-foot bridge. The July 6, 2025 accident resulted in 21 derailed cars.

Don’t miss…BEML Expands Global Footprint with First Overseas Rail Deal

Four of these cars carried hazardous materials. One tank car holding sodium hydroxide—also called lye or caustic soda—was breached. About 10,500 gallons of the chemical spilled, causing environmental risks but no reported injuries. Damage was estimated at $2 million.

CN train derailment investigation and safety concerns

The southbound train, stretching 7,002 feet and weighing 12,311 tons, had three locomotives, 114 cars, and a CN engineer, conductor, and Grenada Railroad pilot on board. While descending a 0.9% grade, the crew applied dynamic braking before the derailment occurred.

Video from the lead locomotive revealed a sudden “S-curve” where the track should have been straight. The train had been rerouted due to another CN derailment in Glendora, Mississippi, the previous day, increasing pressure on detour routes.

The NTSB will review Grenada Railroad’s inspection and bridge maintenance records. It will also examine CN’s operating decisions, train assembly procedures, and event recorder data to identify contributing factors. Analysts suggest that heavy train loads, infrastructure stress, and routing challenges likely played roles.

Source: www.trains.com

FAQ

What caused the CN train derailment in Mississippi?

The derailment was linked to a misaligned track on a 130-foot bridge, based on NTSB’s preliminary findings. Full cause analysis is still under investigation.

How much sodium hydroxide spilled in the CN train derailment?

About 10,500 gallons of sodium hydroxide leaked from a breached tank car, prompting emergency containment measures and environmental monitoring.

Who is investigating the CN train derailment?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, focusing on track maintenance, operational decisions, and equipment performance.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: