The derailment of the hyped “newer, safer oil tank cars” that exploded and burned last weekend in West Virginia, with 2,400 people evacuated from their homes, and a house destroyed is proof there are no safe oil tank cars for Bakken crude.
Last week the explosive derailment in Ontario, added to the number of explosive oil train derailments that have happened in the last few years. A town was destroyed in Lac-Megantic, Quebec killing 47 people; in Casselton, North Dakota, with the evacuation of 2,300 residents; as well as explosions in Lynchburg, Virginia and Aliceville, Alabama.
The railroads say their safety record is good, but the explosions continue. Last year a derailment at low speeds under the Magnolia Bridge did not result in fire/explosion, but brings home the risk to our cities. Imagine the devastation with an oil train derailment and explosion in Seattle, Edmonds, Everett, Marysville and other towns and the risk to our firefighters. Are profits more important than our lives, property and Northwest iconic beauty?
Dennis and Lorna Lowenthal
Edmonds
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.
