Hazardous Rail Cars Near FLL Airport: A Looming Disaster?

Hazardous Rail Cars Near Fort Lauderdale Airport

• ⚠️ Dozens of rail tankers marked with hazardous material warnings are parked near a major runway at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL).
• 💡 These rail cars, often containing highly flammable alcohol (1987 placard), have been stored there by Florida East Coast Railway for several years.

Safety Concerns and Lack of Action

• ✈️ An engineer notes that a plane veering off the runway could lead to a catastrophic scenario involving the parked tankers.
• 🚨 Aviation experts and concerned citizens view the location as a disaster waiting to happen, potentially creating a hazmat situation that could hamper rescue efforts.
• 🏢 Broward aviation officials have reportedly expressed safety concerns to the railway company for years, but have received no response.
• 🤝 County officials are allegedly reluctant to press the issue for fear of damaging their relationship with the Florida East Coast Railway.

Regulatory and Ownership Issues

• 🚫 The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states they have no jurisdiction over the tracks adjacent to the airport.
• 📜 Rail safety falls under the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), which admits they do not track these tankers in real-time and cannot confirm their contents.
• 💨 Even empty tankers that have carried flammable substances can pose a risk due to lingering vapors.

Airport Safety Measures and Risks

• 🚧 While the airport has an EMAS (Engineered Material Arresting System) bed of crushable concrete at the end of the runway, it would not protect a plane that veers off to the side.
• 🤔 The core issue is a question of common sense, with the Florida East Coast Railway refusing to answer questions about the safety concerns.