By Mark Wozniak
Washington, D.C. – Two recent train derailments in Western New York are raising flags. United States Senator Charles Schumer and Congressman Brian Higgings are both alarmed about the high number of rail accidents, locally and nationally.
They are calling for tighter controls and improvements to the nation's rail system.
Schumer says he will reintroduce bipartisan legislation calling for improvements to the nation's railroads. Schumer cited the Sunday and Monday derailments of trains on local overpasses in calling for better safety and security.
"These derailments could be even worse," said Schumer. "The railroad cars that hurdle through Western New York often contain hazardous material. When one with chlorine was released down in South Carolina 29 people died. That was awful and God forbid it should happen in Western New York."
Schumer noted that there have been at least 20 recorded derailments in Erie County over the past two years.
Higgins also called the high number of accidents, "unacceptable," and is requesting a complete study of the nation's rail system.