North Dakota Emergency Responders Receive Rail Safety Training

Emergency responders in the Red River Valley are being trained on the details of oil tanker cars similar to the ones that derailed and burned in Casselton, N.D., in late December.

The classroom is coming to them.

The railcar leasing company GATX has brought its training car and portable classroom to Fargo to help first responders learn how to deal with possible incidents involving hazardous materials. The 35,000-gallon car is outfitted with a variety of fittings, coatings and other equipment.

The accident near Casselton spilled about 400,000 gallons of crude oil. There were no injuries, but residents were asked to evacuate the town.

Cass County Sheriff Paul Laney says the fiery crash was a challenge to first responders and the training is not a “feel-good thing, but reality in your face.”