WASHINGTON, D.C. -- This statement is from Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-MA), a senior member of the House Homeland Security Committee, in reaction to the fire caused by a derailed train carrying hazardous materials yesterday in Kentucky:

“The Kentucky accident again highlights the enormous security risk that rail shipments of extremely hazardous materials pose every day as they travel through our cities and towns.  Experts have estimated that enough chlorine is contained in just one rail tanker to kill or injure 100,000 people within a half hour of its release in either a terrorist attack or a catastrophic accident. 

“Unfortunately, the Bush Administration has refused to take action to address this threat.  It refuses to even consider mandatory re-routing of some of the most dangerous shipments around densely populated and other sensitive areas.  And it refuses to require companies that are able to use less dangerous chemicals to do so.  Extremely toxic rail shipments are literally "hell on wheels," and we were very fortunate that yesterday's accident did not result in any deaths.  Nevertheless, the threat of a deadly accident or terrorist attack remains very real for millions who live near these routes.

“I will continue to work to address these gaping security flaws legislatively in the 110th Congress."