Focus on Safety: Looking back, 2024 Matteson train derailment was a best-case scenario

Residents of Matteson heard a loud noise come from Main Street one summer morning. Shortly thereafter, police quickly evacuated a four-block area around the derailment. The fear was that the 25 cars that came off their rails while carrying various types of chemicals might pose a threat to residents. One car was found to be leaking liquefied petroleum gas; however, it posed no immediate health risks to the public. The material was contained and disposed…