CSX oil train derailment

[CShaveRR]

Probably another example of issue-focused hyperbole...Thanks, Jay!

[NorthWest]

This happened during a really cold spell-broken rail?

[JayPotter]

As a resident of Charleston, I'm aware of concern about the adequacy of governmental regulation of chemical storage tanks. However I'm not aware of continued complaints about water taste; and until now, I had never heard any reports of tap water igniting.

[CShaveRR]

This would be a bit upstream from the one you're (accurately) remembering, Paul.  That was one that started on a tributary of the Kanawha River (and reporters and newscasters are having fun with that spelling and pronunciation!) just above Charleston.

This one was at least immediately noticeable, and precautions could be taken in time.  The other one, with non-cooperatve owners, not so much.  It wasn't that long ago that I read that the water there still tastes strange and can ignite at the tap, though it's allegedly safe to drink.  I'll pass this year, thanks! 

[Paul_D_North_Jr]

"+1" to Euclid's post above.  This one gets an "OMG" from me.

Thanks a lot, CSX. [heavy sarcasm]

Was it Bakken crude ?  Seems to have been very 'light' and volatile to burn that fiercely.

Only mitigating circumstances are that the fire will 'burn off' some of it, lessening the spill/ pollution of the river and drinking water sources; and the very cold temperatures may congeal the stuff at least a little bit to reduce how fast and far it spreads.

Didn't this same area have the massive leak/ spill of the 'coal treatment fluid' of some kind that also contaminated water sources about a year ago ?  If so, that'll leave all the local residents and officilas at various levels of government not too kindly disposed towards another one like that and hence CSX, to say the least.    

- Paul North.

[Euclid]

Those are some dramatic pictures in the second link.  They seems to drive home the point that oil-by-rail detractors have been making.  That video of the fire and then an explosion looks just like the Lac Megantic fire.  I would say that this event will get a lot of coverage and play a big role in the debate.

[blue streak 1]

Near Montgomery, Wv 30 east of Charleston, Wv. Fire, House burning, oil in river, evacuation 1-1/2 miles around.

http://wchstv.com/news/features/eyewitness-news/stories/Area-Being-Evacuated-After-Train-Derails-In-Fayette-County-Spills-Oil-Into-River-82336.shtml#.VOJOJ9E5AqR

 another link.

http://www.wsaz.com/news/headlines/Train-Derailment-Causes-Fire-near-Montgomery-Evacuation-Underway-292096241.html?device=tablet&c=y

 Bitter cold will not help clean up