Lesterville Train Derailment: BNSF Railway Says Changes Made

LESTERVILLE, SD — A fiery train derailment two years ago near Lesterville that spilled nearly 50,000 gallons of denatured fuel alcohol was likely caused by a broken rail, as well as a decision by BNSF Railway to defer track maintenance and operate trains carrying flammable cargo, federal transportation investigators have said. Now, the railway company says it's making changes.

The railway is using a different route to transport dangerous material through parts of South Dakota since the National Transportation Safety Board's determination of the train derailment. The train was hauling ethanol and fire erupted, causing more than $1 million in damage. No one was hurt.

The railroad has also invested in its infrastructure, BNSF spokeswoman Amy Beth said on Monday.

Photo credit: Dave Tunge/Dakota Aerials via AP