FARGO, N.D. (AP) — The 911 dispatch recordings from the fiery Dec. 30 train derailment west of Casselton show initial confusion about the cargo on board.

The recordings obtained by KFGO radio show that a member of the train crew first told emergency dispatchers in Fargo that it was hauling ethanol.

The substance actually was highly flammable crude oil from western North Dakota. Eighteen cars on the 106-car oil train derailed and several exploded and burned.

An employee of the nearby Tharaldson Ethanol plant later called 911 and told the dispatcher that the burning cars appeared to be carrying oil.

The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation into the cause of the derailment. It could be a year or more before a final determination is made.

 

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