Coors Light and chlorine: Two Montana train derailments, a close call and a catastrophe

Freight train derailments in the U.S. have come under increasing scrutiny since a train carrying hazardous materials derailed and burned in East Palestine, Ohio, in early February. 

Montana is no stranger to freight train derailments. In 1996, a train derailed near Alberton and released chlorine. Some residents still live with health problems from chemical exposure. And, just this past Sunday, April 2, a freight train derailed near Paradise, spilling thousands of beers into the Clark Fork River. 

With me today is Joshua Murdock, a reporter at the Missoulian. He reports on outdoor recreation, natural resources and the environment. He was at the site of Sunday’s derailment and is reporting on the incident. 

He’s also spent hours interviewing Missoula author Ron Scholl, a leading expert on chemical spills from train derailments who says that Alberton holds lessons for East Palestine. 

Josh has also reported on how hazardous materials transported by train are largely kept secret from the public, including from the communities they pass through. 

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Montana Untamed, hosted by Thom Bridge, covers the state's rugged landscape from hook and bullet to policy and science.