Freight railroads police themselves and inspect their own tracks. Some say a disaster is inevitable.

A five-month Press Herald investigation reveals poorly maintained lines, unreported accidents and secrecy around the hazardous materials transported through Maine.

States clamp down on freight trains, fearing derailments and federal gridlock

Legislatures want to bolster trackside detectors used to identify equipment problems and require more notice to emergency responders about hazardous cargo.

Railroad spills 500 gallons of fuel in northern Maine derailment cleanup

The state issued a warning to Canadian Pacific Kansas City on Friday after the company's clean-up efforts resulted in the discharge of diesel fuel from a locomotive's tanks.

Railroad company remains silent about derailment in northern Maine

Canadian Pacific Kansas City is working with the state to contain fuel and oil that are leaking from derailed cars and seeping into nearby waters but has declined to answer questions about the amount of hazardous materials the train was transporting.

Questions remain about train derailment in northern Maine

The rail company, CPKC, has reopened the rail line, saying the derailment was caused by a track washout. But the company and the Federal Railroad Administration declined to say when the tracks near Jackman were last inspected.

Derailed train in northern Maine was carrying flammable chemicals

The hazardous materials did not spill or catch fire, the railroad said, but one of them is classified as highly flammable by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

No investigation planned for Monday’s train derailment in Wales

Derailment of four cars at Leeds Junction in Wales on Monday will not be investigated by the Federal Railroad Administration, a spokesperson said. Train owners CSX Corp. will submit a report by May, which will be vetted by administration and released to the public in August.

Norfolk Southern can’t dismiss Ohio train accident as a fluke

An NTSB report points to a mechanical failure, but that doesn't mean safety and corporate response shouldn't be improved.

What’s inside Maine freight trains? Public can only hazard a guess

An exception to the state's public records law prevents Mainers from knowing what toxic chemicals might be rumbling through cities and towns.

Amtrak train speeding 50 mph over limit before deadly derailment