A closer look at train derailments across America

Yesterday, the National Transportation Safety Board opened an investigation into an incident that occurred over the weekend, where a Norfolk Southern train derailment near Springfield, Ohio, sent 28 cars sliding off the tracks.

It marked Norfolk Southern’s second such incident in the state since early February – though officials stressed that unlike last month’s derailment in East Palestine, this train wasn’t carrying any hazardous materials.

🚂 Big picture: If the first time you heard about train derailments was just over a month ago, you’re not alone. But they’re more common than you may think.

The US government has recorded over 55,000 train derailments since 1990, according to the latest federal data, which averages out to nearly 1,700 per year. But derailments have consistently declined over time, thanks to improved safety technology; 1,049 incidents were reported in 2022.

And though derailments are somewhat common in the US, they aren’t usually catastrophic. Railways are required under federal law to report any derailment that causes at least $12,000 worth of damage, or an incident comparable to a minor fender-bender in a car.

• The vast majority of reported derailments take place within train yards, and don’t result in any injuries or chemical spills.

📝 Bottom line: Over the past three decades, train derailments have been responsible for an average of four deaths and ~20 hazardous chemical spills each year. But even still, experts say railroads are “without question” the safest way to move goods across land in the US.