FRA Emergency Order No. 33, Notice No.1

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) has issued Emergency Order No. 33, Notice No.1: requiring the Blackwell Northern Gateway Railroad (BNGR) of Blackwell, Oklahoma, to cease operations of all trains, locomotives, and on-track rail equipment on any track it leases or owns, due to severe safety concerns.

The order follows several incidents, including derailments and dangerous crossings, indicating BNGR’s negligence in safety protocols and regulations. The FRA found numerous violations, such as operating unsafe locomotives, employing unqualified personnel, and falsifying records.

Read more on the emergency order here.