Full Breakdown
2024 North Dakota Derailment Underscores Flawed Tank Cars and Culvert Inspection Gaps
6/12/2026, 3:28:28 AM
The Derailment and Immediate Findings
On July 5, 2024, Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) train 242-03 derailed near Bordulac, North Dakota, about 30 mi west of Carrington. Of the 151 cars, 29 left the track, including 17 hazardous-material tank cars. Five methanol cars breached and ignited, creating a pool fire that thermally ruptured three anhydrous-ammonia cars; nine hazardous-material cars in total were breached. The NTSB identified a collapsed subgrade beneath a culvert—an erosion-created void missed by internal inspections—as the primary cause.
Background: Flawed DOT-111 and DOT-117R Tank Cars
DOT-111 cars have repeatedly ruptured in derailments, contributing to the 2023 East Palestine, Ohio, and 2013 Lac-Mégantic accidents. The NTSB has urged their replacement since the 1990s; Congress mandated that they be removed from flammable-liquid service by 2029. The Association of American Railroads notes that DOT-111 cars have been largely phased out for ethanol and crude oil since 2013, yet several thousand remain for gasoline, solvents and other chemicals.
Key Agencies
The investigation was led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). CPKC operates the train; the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) and the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) are federal regulators; the Association of American Railroads (AAR) represents industry interests; and local emergency responders, including Foster County Emergency Management, coordinated the response.
Data and Statistics
The derailment involved 29 cars, 17 of which were hazardous-material tank cars. Five methanol and three anhydrous-ammonia cars breached, with nine hazardous-material cars total breached. Twelve cars carried plastic pellets. Two homes and one nearby residence were evacuated for two days. No injuries were reported; several cleanup workers sought medical treatment. Estimated damages total $3.6 million.
Official Statements & Responses
CPKC spokesman Patrick Waldron said the railroad received the NTSB report and is reviewing it carefully. PHMSA did not immediately respond, and the FRA declined comment on the board’s recommendations.
Criticism & Opposition
The NTSB criticized the rail industry for continued use of DOT-111 and DOT-117R cars, citing thin shells and vulnerable manway gaskets, and faulted CPKC’s culvert-inspection procedures for missing the erosion-created void.
On-the-Ground Impact
No injuries occurred, but a handful of cleanup workers reported health issues after exposure to anhydrous ammonia. Evacuations were limited to two homes and one residence for two days while crews extinguished the fire.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
The NTSB report lists nine hazardous-material tank cars breached, while another source describes five methanol and three ammonia cars breached (eight total), leaving a discrepancy in the exact count.
Recommendations and Next Steps
The NTSB urges PHMSA to set thermal-performance standards for liquefied-gas tank cars, to require physical separation of poison-inhalation-hazard cars from flammable cars, and to compel CPKC to inspect every culvert internally using foot patrols, cameras or remote vehicles. Industry is expected to continue phasing out DOT-111 cars before the 2029 deadline.
