BNSF Trains Derails in Arizona

BNSF operates one of the largest freight railroad networks in North America, with 32,500 miles of rail across the western two-thirds of the United States.

On Thursday, two BNSF trains derailed in separate incidents in Arizona and Washington state, that resulted in a spilling of diesel fuel on tribal land along Puget Sound, Washington

No injuries were reported in either incident and at present time there has been no known cause for either derailment.

The derailment in Arizona, occurred near the state’s border with California and Nevada. The train was carrying corn syrup.

BNSF spokeswoman Lena Kent reported that an estimated eight cars derailed in Arizona and that resulted in the blocking of the main track. The cause of the derailment is under investigation, and it is not known when the track will reopen.

The U.S. averages approximately three train derailments per day, according to federal data. The two additional derailments come during intensified attention to rail safety across the country following a fiery derailment that occurred in February in Ohio and a succession of additional major derailments that have occurred across the country, including accidents in Michigan, Alabama and other states.