CN train derailment near Chicago spills crude oil
by The Associated Press
Police Chief John Konopek says it was fortunate the derailment didn't occur in a residential area
PLAINFIELD, Ill.—The effort to clean up 40,000 gallons of crude oil continues south of Chicago where a freight train derailed last week.
Canadian National Railways spokesman Patrick Waldron said Monday the company is investigating the cause and circumstances of the derailment in Plainfield, Illinois.
Federal Railroad Administration officials say the agency is also investigating a June 30 derailment of 20 tank cars of the 115-car train. Oil leaked from three of the cars, much of it flowing into trenches alongside the tracks.
Plainfield police Chief John Konopek says if a derailment had to happen it was fortunate it didn’t occur in a residential area.
Waldron says the environmental cleanup is proceeding well and will continue through the week. The cleanup will include the removal of contaminated soil.
Rail traffic on the line resumed Sunday.
