(The following report appeared on the ABC2 News website on December 9.)
BALTIMORE — It’s getting to be a bad habit. One’s an accident. Two’s a mistake. Three times we have a problem. For the third time in two weeks we are reporting on a train derailment in the heart of Baltimore.
“When I hear such things it makes me concerned, thinking twice about did I make the right move to come to this city,” asked Baltimore resident Stanley Mutiva.
A CSX spokesman says three cars derailed in the freight yard off Pulaski Highway in East Baltimore. Two of the cars were carrying ethanol, which could have been hazardous if it leaked out. The third car was empty. Mayor Sheila Dixon says she’s seen enough and she’s calling for change.
“We want real time information when it comes through, which they have agreed to work with us in the system to get real time information so that our departments are aware of what’s coming through,” said Mayor Dixon.
On Friday, a tank car derailed in Locust Point. It was part of a CSX train.
And two weeks ago, 12 CSX cars near M&T Bank Stadium went off the tracks.
They were carrying hazardous materials, but nothing leaked out.
“There will come a time when there’s a derailment of some kind of hazardous materials. Those fumes will go up in the air, maybe even fires will take place, and we have 70,000 people at Ravens stadium inside the bowl,” said Rep. Elijah Cummings, Maryland’s 7th District.
It’s a forecast the politicians hope to avoid by insisting on change. The local congressional delegation sent a letter to CSX and will meet with the company on Wednesday to ask for improved safety.