NTSB Number RAR-02/03
NTIS Number PB2002-916303
PDF Document(1.5MB)

Executive Summary: On Saturday, May 27, 2000, about 11:48 a.m., central daylight time, 33 of the 113 cars making up eastbound Union Pacific Railroad train QFPLI-26 derailed near Eunice, Louisiana. Of the derailed cars, 15 contained hazardous materials and 2 contained hazardous materials residue. The derailment resulted in a release of hazardous materials with explosions and fire. About 3,500 people were evacuated from the surrounding area, which included some of the business area of Eunice. No one was injured during the derailment of the train or the subsequent release of hazardous materials. Total damages exceeded $35 million.

The National Transportation Safety Board determines that the probable cause of the May 27, 2000, derailment of Union Pacific train QFPLI-26 was the failure of a set of joint bars that had remained in service with undetected and uncorrected defects because of the Union Pacific Railroad’s ineffective track inspection procedures and inadequate management oversight.

The major safety issues identified in this investigation are track conditions on the Union Pacific’s Beaumont Subdivision and the effectiveness of the Union Pacific’s track inspection activities, including management oversight.

As a result of the investigation, the National Transportation Safety Board makes safety recommendations to the Federal Railroad Administration, the Union Pacific Railroad, and the Association of American Railroads.