BNSF Train Carrying Ethanol Derails in Minnesota

A Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) train carrying ethanol derailed in Raymond, Minnesota early Thursday morning. Some of the 780 residents in the town, which is outside Minneapolis, were forced to evacuate when the train caught fire.

Key Details: The train of approximately 22 cars carrying corn syrup and ethanol came off the track around 1:00am; no injuries were reported. BNSF is sending a team to Raymond to access the situation, and the Federal Railroad Administration will also be sending officials to the scene. There is no estimated time for reopening the BNSF rail line.

Key Quotes: "Fire departments from Raymond and numerous area departments responded as several of the derailed tankers started on fire and were determined to be carrying a form of ethanol and others with a corn syrup liquid," the Kandiyohi County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. 

For Context: The train derailment in Minnesota comes after a Canadian National Railway Company train derailment near Pittsburgh on Wednesday, and a toxic Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio on Feb. 3.  The derailments have sparked outrage and safety concerns from residents, and have caused lawmakers to call for tighter safety standards.

How the Media Covered it: Sources across the political spectrum covered the Minnesota BNSF derailment, with many noting the recent train derailments in Pennsylvania and Ohio.