News / NS freight train derailment 'a wake-up call' for tougher safety rules

Labour unions have described the derailment of a Norfolk Southern (NS) train near Pittsburgh this month as a wake-up call for stronger safety measures and increased regulatory oversight.

The NS train, with three locomotives and 150 rail cars, derailed on 3 February, with 38 rail cars coming off the rails, including 11 carrying hazardous materials: five were loaded with vinyl chloride, a flammable and highly toxic chemical; the others carried highly flammable liquids.

The ensuing fire ...