BNSF: Future of crude by rail depends on safety

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The head of the biggest railroad hauling North Dakota crude says the future of oil shipments depends on proving that it can be done safely.

BNSF Executive Chairman Matt Rose spoke on Wednesday at the Williston Basin Petroleum Conference in Bismarck, which has drawn more than 4,000 people for three days of events.

Rose says the railroad is committed to preventing accidents like the Dec. 30 crash outside Casselton that left an ominous cloud over the town and led some residents to evacuate.

He says the railroad has learned from the disaster and has done such things as decreased train speeds in some areas and increased inspections.

Rose says "BNSF believes at the end of the day that every rail accident is preventable."

Details in Thursday's Havre Daily News.)