Ex-Gov. Calls for New ND Railroad Regulations

FARGO, N.D. (AP) — Former North Dakota governor and Casselton native George Sinner wants new regulations placed upon railroads that transport crude oil from the state.

Sinner says the derailment of tanker cars and ensuing fire outside Casselton last week shows what he calls a "ridiculous threat" to communities across the United States.

The fire burned for more than 24 hours and set off a series of massive explosions. Casselton residents were told to evacuate. There were no injuries.

Sinner tells SuperTalk 1270 host Joel Heitkamp speed limits for trains should be lowered and the railroad must take older, less reliable tankers out of service.

Another derailment involving some crude oil tankers was reported Wednesday in a sparsely populated area of New Brunswick, Canada. No injuries were reported.

Sinner, a Democrat, was governor from 1985-92.