Rail industry contradicts faster removal of unsafe tank cars

Federal investigators are pushing for an expedited removal of puncture-prone DOT-111 tank cars from trains, despite strong opposition from the rail and chemical industries. The 2013 Lac-Mégantic tragedy in Canada, which claimed 47 lives, spurred calls to phase out DOT-111 cars due to safety concerns. However, more than 25,000 DOT-111 cars are still operational, and full phase-out is not anticipated until 2029.

Resistance from industry and concerns over costs are impeding efforts to accelerate their removal, despite repeated safety warnings from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). DOT-111 tank cars have been involved in several fatal derailments, highlighting ongoing risks. For instance, last year's East Palestine incident in Ohio saw three DOT-111 cars carrying flammable materials rupture and ignite a fire after a derailment, leading to the venting and burning of five vinyl chloride tank cars.

Delaying the phase-out could heighten the risk of preventable disasters, jeopardizing communities and the environment.