Minnesota Lawmaker Calls for rail Safety Package after Train Collision

A Minnesota lawmaker is calling for a new rail safety package following a train collision in Callaway on Thursday. 

House Deputy Minority Leader Paul Marquart says the derailment in Callaway is another reminder why the State of Minnesota must make its rail crossings as safe as possible for communities. 

On Thursday, several Canadian Pacific train cars derailed after colliding with a propane truck.   A fire raged on for hours until just after 10 p.m., when an explosion occurred.  Nearly two dozen police and fire crews worked to control the blaze and explosion. 

Highway 59 in Callaway was closed and residents were staying in an evacuation shelter. They were allowed to return home after 10 Friday morning. 

“First, thank you to the brave men and women from law enforcement and fire departments across the region. Thankfully, there aren’t any reports of serious injuries.  I hope that continues to be the case. This accident is a reminder of how important rail safety is. Twenty-eight trains derailed in Minnesota last year. Nearly 350,000 Minnesotans live within the half mile danger zone if an oil train derailed. This derailment in Callaway is another reminder of why the State of Minnesota must make its rail crossings as safe as possible for our communities,” said Marquart.