Callaway Train Accident

The entire town of Callaway, Minnesota was forced to evacuate in March 2016 after a train collided with a propane truck, causing fires to erupt and sent two of the train’s crew members to the hospital. Eleven of the train’s cars derailed in the crash, which took place shortly after noon in the 200 person town of Callaway near Highway 59.

Members from 15 emergency organizations took part in the response. Propane from the truck was vented and burned off in a controlled manner as part of the effort to extinguish the flames. According to investigators, the train left the Twin Cities and was on course to Canada when the accident occurred.

Sources analyzing data from the Federal Railroad Administration’s Office of Safety Analysis claim there were a total of 28 train derailments in Minnesota last year. From 2012 to 2015, a total of 150 train derailments occurred across the state.

Cause of Minnesota train crash still under investigation

State and federal authorities are still trying to understand how and why the crash occurred. Spokesmen from Canadian Pacific, the owner of the train, claim the locomotive’s crews sounded the engine’s horn as it approached the crossing.

However the crash occurred, it is quite clear of the circumstances this accident could seemingly have been avoided had proper safety protocols had been followed by both sides. It is a miracle that no one was killed in the crash and that townspeople did not sustain any loss of life and property in the event as so many other horrific train accidents in the past.

Minnesota train accident lawsuits

Train accidents often occur because one party acted in a negligent manner, which placed others in undue harm. Train operators and owners owe a public duty to practice reasonable safety measures when conducting business.

Types of negligence that may lead to train accidents include:

• Failing to properly screen prospective train operators during the hiring process;
• Improper training and supervision of employees;
• Lack of maintenance on trains and safety equipment; and
• Violations of state and federal locomotive train regulations.

We are here to help

If you or a loved one was hurt in a train wreck as a passenger, operator, or innocent bystander, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries if the accident was caused by negligence on the part of the train company. Train accident investigations are often complicated endeavors and having an experienced Minnesota train accident attorney on your side can help you and your family get the justice and compensation your deserve. Contact our offices in Wisconson and Minnesota, by calling 888-596-6049, for a free consultation.