On Saturday, May 27, 2000, about 11:48 a.m. central daylight time, 33 of the 113 cars making up eastbound Union Pacific Railroad train QFPLI-26 derailed near Eunice, Louisiana. Of the derailed cars, 15 contained hazardous materials and 2 contained hazardous materials residue. The derailment resulted in a release of hazardous materials with explosions and fire. About 3,500 people were evacuated from the surrounding area, which included some of the business area of Eunice. No one was injured during the derailment of the train or the subsequent release of hazardous materials. Total damages exceeded $35 million. The major safety issues identified in this investigation are track conditions on the Union Pacific's Beaumont Subdivision and the effectiveness of the Union Pacific's track inspection activities, including management oversight. As a result of the investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board makes safety recommendations to the Federal Railroad Administration, the Union Pacific Railroad, and the Association of American Railroads.
National Transportation Safety Board Railroad Accident Report: Derailment of Union Pacific Railroad Train in Eunice, Louisiana, on May 27, 2000
2000
50 pages
Report
No indication
English