In September of 2015, five rail cars loaded with ethanol derailed southeast of Scotland, and caught fire.

The National Transportation Safety Board says the accident was caused by the lack of maintenance on the rail by BNSF.
The report says the rail was installed in 1929, and is too light for modern, heavier loads.

South Dakota Senator John Thune says he was told there have been improvements along the line in the past…..

Thune, Chairman of the Commerce Committee, that has oversight of the Federal Railway Administration, says there has to be active management……

Thune says it is up to the railroad company to make the investments needed to keep the route safe…..

The NTSB report says that allowing slower train speeds on that lighter rail is not acceptable for hazardous loads like ethanol.