King Welcomes NTSB Safety Recommendations Resulting from Investigation of Lac-Megantic Train Derailment

Press Release

U.S. Senator Angus King today welcomed the release of three rail safety recommendations by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) that are a result of an investigation into the tragic July 6, 2013 train derailment in Lac-Megantic, Quebec.

NTSB recommended to the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) that railroads expand their hazardous material route planning to increase avoidance of populated areas, ensure that railroads have adequate disaster response capabilities, and tighten monitoring of hazardous material labels.

The recommendations are intended to rectify safety shortfalls that led to the loss of 47 lives and caused approximately $200 million in damage to property when the train derailed and exploded in Lac-Megantic.

"Mainers, like all Americans, deserve a rail transportation system that is safe, that proactively plans to protect communities, and that allows for a rapid and effective emergency response in any situation where one is needed," Senator King said. "I fully support the NTSB's recommendations and urge the FRA and PHMSA to implement them immediately in order to help prevent a tragedy like Lac-Megantic from occurring again. I look forward to continuing my work with the FRA, PHMSA, and the rail industry to improve federal rail safety standards."

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