Washington, DC - U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) released the following statement after today’s derailment in Bedford County:
“I’m closely monitoring the derailment in Bedford County. My thoughts are with the residents who have been displaced and the first responders who are working tirelessly on this incident. Earlier today, I spoke with Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) Director, Richard D. Flinn, in order to receive a briefing on the derailment. I also spoke with the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Administrator, Brock Long. My office has been in contact with local, state, federal officials and stakeholders, like Verizon, who are working to ensure residents and responders are safe and have access to phone service. This derailment only underscores the danger that large trains loaded with dangerous chemicals can pose to communities. Since 2014, I have raised concerns with rail companies, including CSX, about the safety of these trains and tank cars filled with hazardous materials. In the coming days, it will be important that a full investigation take place to determine the causes of this derailment.”
