Rail company self-insured for losses; BNSF train derails in Texas, spilling hazardous cargo.(Burlington Northern Santa Fe Corp.)(Brief Article)

Business Insurance, August, 2001 by Lenckus, Dave

HOUSTON-Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad Corp. is self-insured for any losses that result from a huge hazardous chemical spill following an Aug. 5 train derailment 40 miles northwest of Houston. About 23,000 gallons of ethylhexyl acrylate and as much as 11,000 gallons of acetic anhydride leaked from three tanker cars that derailed, according to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Department.

Both chemicals are carcinogens and can cause respiratory problems. A total of 21 cars derailed in the middle of the 64-car train. A tanker car carrying benzene also derailed, but none of the toxic chemical has spilled, according to the sheriff's department. The derailment caused at least $1 million of damage, including rail car and track damage, loss of contents and...

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