Emergency crews prepare for derailments while Maine law conceals hazards from public – fox23maine.com

Emergency crews in Maine are bracing for the possibility of derailments while the state’s laws obscure potential hazards from the public eye.

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has officially declared that Maine has a “high risk” of potential derailments, due to the state’s aging infrastructure. Although maintenance to the tracks is regularly conducted, the FRA cautions that the risk for a derailment still exists.

In response to the FRA’s assessment, emergency crews throughout the state have stepped up their preparedness efforts. Firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel alike have increased their training regimens in the event of an accident, ensuring that they are equipped to handle a derailment if one were to occur.

Unfortunately, Maine’s laws have made it virtually impossible for the public to discern the potential dangers of a derailment. The state has a long-standing policy of shielding railroad records from public view, effectively concealing any hazardous information from the public.

This has been a source of frustration for public safety advocates, who have long argued that the public should be made aware of any potential threats. They contend that the public has the right to know the kind of material being transported, the condition of the tracks, and other pertinent information.

For now, the public may remain in the dark about any potential risks, but emergency crews are doing their best to ensure that they are prepared for any eventuality.

Though Maine’s laws keep the public in the dark about potential hazards, emergency crews throughout the state are actively working to ensure that they are ready to manage a derailment should it occur. The FRA’s assessment of the state’s risks has prompted an increased emphasis on training and preparedness, helping to ensure that Maine is ready to respond to any potential derailment.