Report published on train derailment and hazardous material spill

The illustrated summary complements the NTSB’s comprehensive 201-page final report by using images and diagrams to clarify the causes of the derailment and the NTSB’s safety recommendations for preventing future incidents. While the final report stands as the NTSB’s official account of the derailment, it also emphasises the thoroughness and extent of the 16-month inquiry.

The derailment occurred on February 3, 2023, shortly after a hot bearing detector issued a critical alarm regarding the temperature of a wheel bearing. The incident involved 11 tank cars transporting hazardous substances. Three of these cars experienced mechanical failures during the derailment, releasing flammable or combustible materials, while five others emitted flammable gases due to fire damage or intentional breaching with explosives for a controlled vent-and-burn operation.

The full report and more are available on the NTSB‘s website.

Source: NTSB