The NTSB has urged changes to the definition of high-hazard trains after investigating a BNSF derailment in New Mexico that caused a hazardous materials release and a mass evacuation. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

A westbound BNSF freight train derailed 35 railcars near Manuelito, New Mexico, on April 26, 2024. Among them were six DOT-112A340W tank cars transporting liquified petroleum gas.

NTSB Urges Redefinition of High-Hazard Train Standards
Photo – NTSB report and McKinley County Office of Emergency Management

Four tank cars either ruptured during or shortly after the derailment. This led to fears of an explosion and triggered a two-mile evacuation zone and the closure of Interstate 40.

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Local officials evacuated 52 residents and shut down both directions of the highway for roughly 48 hours. No injuries occurred, and the evacuation order ended on April 28.

The NTSB highlighted that such hazardous releases can occur even on trains not classified as high-hazard flammable trains under current rules.

NTSB Calls for Broader Safety Classification

The NTSB repeated its recommendation that the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration should update the current definition of high-hazard trains.

Current rules focus too narrowly on train composition and overlook real-world risks involving hazardous freight not officially covered by regulations.

The board emphasized that broader classification would allow for stricter safety requirements, potentially preventing future derailments and toxic spills.

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The NTSB concluded that existing policies fail to reflect the full scope of risk from modern freight operations. They called for immediate updates to federal regulations.

Chair Jennifer Homendy noted that ignoring these risks could lead to more avoidable emergencies. The board wants proactive safety policies based on actual threat levels.

By redefining high-hazard trains, federal agencies can reduce threats to communities and enforce stronger protections across the rail network.

Source: www.progressiverailroading.com

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