Kansas City, Kan. (BNSF)

April 25, 2004

Several rail cars, some carrying hazardous chemicals, derailed on April 25 in the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railway yard. BNSF officials reported no hazardous spills. The derailment happened about 3 a.m. when a remote control switch engine struck a passing train, derailing five cars. Two of the cars remained upright, while three tipped over. A railway spokesman told the Kansas City Star newspaper that two of the tipped cars were carrying sodium hydroxide, which is hazardous. He said BNSF officials investigated and found no leaks at the site. The third car was empty.