Sarpy County Hazard Analysis

Railway Accident

A derailment or a train accident which directly threatens life and/or property, or which adversely impacts a community’s capacity to provide emergency service.

History - Rating: High

Several railway accidents involving derailments have occurred in Sarpy County. The most significant was a train derailment near LaVista in 1976 which caused one death.

Vulnerability - Rating: Medium

Most of the active track lies in rural areas of Sarpy County. The railroads pass along the outer edges of LaVista and Gretna and pass though Bellevue. Railway incidents could endanger a moderate percentage of lives and a moderate percentage of property.

Maximum Threat - Rating: High

A worst case scenario would be a train derailment releasing chlorine gas in Bellevue under calm winds. Such a release could cause an evacuation of most of the city.

Probability - Rating: Medium

Based on historical data, it is estimated that a railway incident of considerable magnitude will occur in Sarpy County once every three to four years.

General Comments:

Primary effects of a railway accident may be injuries, loss of life, and destruction of property. Secondary effects may be a hazardous materials spill, power failure, and transportation problems.

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Created January 28, 1997

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