Propane Train Overturns in Manatee Country, Florida

One propane tanker and five rail cars were derailed on Tuesday afternoon in an industrial region to the east of Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, according to Manatee County officials in Central East Florida. Another propane tanker lost control but did not overturn reportedly after it derailed. No spills or injuries were reported.

In a press release, Kevin Van Ostenbridge, chair of the Manatee County Board of County Commissioners, said, “We are proud of our first responders.” “Their rapid response has helped safeguard our residents’ safety and security.”

Personnel from Manatee County Public Safety will help clear the tracks, which, according to them, may take some time as the tanker vehicles must first be empty of propane before they can be moved according to local news station WUSP.

Southern Manatee Fire District Chief Robert Bounds says five boxcars loaded with sheetrock and one tanker loaded with 30,000 gallons of propane, are on their sides. It is not leaking, he said. A second propane tanker jumped the track but it is upright, he said according to WWSB – More than 150 feet of track has been mangled and will have to be replaced, Bounds said. It may take between 1-3 days to transfer the propane form the tankers involved.

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