Councilman wants rail company to explain itself

Following this week’s oil train derailment, a Philadelphia City Councilman is calling for hearings into the state of freight rail tracks.  

Councilman Kenyatta Johnson says he’s concerned that CSX is not doing enough maintenance to the rails and bridges that run through the city and wants company officials to testify. 

“It’s in response to several complaints regarding the conditions of CSX railways in Southwest Philadelphia as well as bridges in South Philadelphia, but also most recently the derailment of two freight cars in the South Philadelphia Grey’s Ferry section of my district that could have resulted in a catastrophe,” said Johnson.

Johnson says this is a long-term concern for him. 

“This has been an issue that I have been working on way before this derailment.  The hearing will be a forum for us to get some answers and a plan moving forward because there are some issues that needs to be addressed.”

Johnson says he’s worried that a major chemical spill or other incident could happen unless there is some major maintenance done.

While tankers carrying crude oil derailed Sunday, the cars stayed in tact, avoiding a spill.