Heavy rain likely caused the tracks to widen at a railroad curve, causing the 4 tanker cars to derail. No oil spill was reported.
This train derailed near the Chevron Refinery in El Segundo. Oil Train Derailed near businesses, retail, restaurants, and stores.
On the afternoon of January 12, 2017, at approximately 2:30 p.m., a train hauling liquefied petroleum products derailed in El Segundo, California, only blocks from the Chevron refinery. At least four tanker cars left the tracks at a sharp curve near Douglas Street and Chapman Way, their undercarriages ripped apart and scattered along the ballast. The derailment prompted swift evacuations, a large emergency response, and immediate questions about the integrity of rail infrastructure in one of Southern California’s most industrialized communities. Fortunately, no oil spill or injuries were reported, but the event serves as a sobering reminder of the risks inherent in transporting hazardous fuels by rail.
The Derailment on January 12, 2017
The derailment happened during a heavy winter rainstorm that had drenched Los Angeles County for several days. The train had just departed the Chevron refinery with multiple tank cars filled with liquefied petroleum gas. As it navigated the curve near Douglas Street, several cars slipped off the track, toppling slightly and damaging their wheels and frames. Fire Captain Evan Siefke of the El Segundo Fire Department confirmed that four cars derailed, but none were punctured. Police quickly blocked surrounding streets and ordered precautionary evacuations of businesses and homes within several hundred feet. Hazmat crews inspected the cars for leaks, while firefighters kept hoses ready in case of ignition.
The time of day mattered. The derailment occurred during mid-afternoon, when schools, offices, and nearby shops were still open, increasing the potential risk of public exposure had a leak occurred. Because the train was carrying highly flammable gases, responders feared vapor release or ignition. The order for residents to remain indoors, combined with street closures, helped minimize risk while assessments were made.
Cause: Heavy Rain and Track Instability
Investigators determined that the derailment was most likely caused by track widening due to rain-soaked ballast and subgrade instability. Several days of rainfall had saturated the soil beneath the railbed, weakening the support structure. On a curve, lateral forces from the heavy tanker cars pressed outward, forcing the rails apart. This deformation likely created enough space for wheels to slip off the tracks, dragging cars sideways and damaging their undercarriages.
Railroad officials noted that no major structural defects were initially found in the tanker cars themselves, pointing instead to weather-induced railbed failure as the primary cause. Floodwater accumulation along the tracks at the time of the derailment corroborated this conclusion. The combination of wet conditions, track curvature, and the sheer weight of fully loaded tank cars proved too much for the compromised rail alignment.
Historical Context: Oil by Rail in Southern California
Transporting petroleum by rail is not new to Southern California, but its risks have long been debated. The Los Angeles Basin is both an oil hub and a densely urbanized region. Rail lines snake through refineries, ports, and neighborhoods, carrying crude oil, gasoline, propane, and liquefied natural gas. The El Segundo derailment highlighted this juxtaposition, showing how a single infrastructure failure could put both industry and residents at risk.
Historically, oil trains have been involved in catastrophic incidents, including derailments that caused fires, explosions, and widespread evacuations. The 2013 Lac-Mégantic disaster in Quebec, Canada, in which 47 people were killed after a crude oil train exploded downtown, remains the most infamous example. Although the El Segundo event ended without fire, the potential consequences mirrored global fears of oil-by-rail accidents.
What Went Right in El Segundo
Despite the drama, several factors prevented the January 12 derailment from escalating into disaster. First, the tanker cars remained intact, avoiding leaks. Second, first responders were on site within minutes, evacuating nearby businesses and monitoring for hazardous vapors. Third, weather conditions, while causing the derailment, may also have helped prevent fire by lowering ambient ignition risk. Finally, strong coordination between the refinery, railroad, and emergency services ensured a rapid, organized response.
What Could Have Gone Wrong
The potential dangers were significant. A ruptured tank could have released a vapor cloud of liquefied petroleum gas, which, if ignited, might have caused a catastrophic fire or explosion. Such an event could have threatened not only the immediate area but also the adjacent Chevron refinery, magnifying the hazard. Contamination of stormwater systems was another concern, as residual oil products from damaged cars might have mixed with floodwaters. The lack of casualties or pollution in this case was considered a fortunate outcome.
Infrastructure Challenges Exposed
The El Segundo derailment highlighted vulnerabilities in rail infrastructure exposed to extreme weather. Curved track segments are already stress points, and saturated soil or inadequate drainage increases the risk of rail spreading. In Southern California, aging tracks and high traffic volumes add further strain. Regulators face the challenge of ensuring frequent inspections, particularly during rainy seasons, and compelling operators to strengthen railbeds against flooding.
Tank cars themselves have been another focal point of debate. Many older models lack sufficient protection against puncture in derailments. Though regulations now require upgrades with thicker shells, improved valves, and thermal protection, implementation is ongoing. Had older, weaker tankers been in use, the outcome in El Segundo could have been worse.
Lessons Learned
From this derailment, several lessons emerged. Infrastructure must be designed for resilience against extreme weather. Track drainage and ballast maintenance need reinforcement in flood-prone areas. Tank cars must be upgraded to withstand derailments without puncture. Emergency responders must maintain tight coordination with rail operators and refineries, conducting drills for worst-case scenarios. Finally, communities near refinery corridors must remain informed about the risks of oil-by-rail and know how to respond in emergencies.
Community Concerns and Environmental Justice
For El Segundo residents, the derailment was more than a freak accident—it was a reminder of the risks of living near refineries and transport corridors. The city, already known for heavy industrial activity, sits within a region where schools, businesses, and homes coexist with oil infrastructure. Community advocates point to the disproportionate burden placed on such neighborhoods, arguing that environmental justice demands stricter oversight and safer practices. Transparency, real-time communication during emergencies, and long-term infrastructure investment are among the key demands from residents.
FAQ: Oil Train Derailments
When did the El Segundo derailment occur? On January 12, 2017, at around 2:30 p.m. during heavy rainfall.
What caused the derailment? Investigators cited track widening and subgrade instability due to several days of rain as the most likely cause.
Was there a spill or fire? No, the tanker cars remained intact, preventing leaks and explosions.
What cargo was on board? The train carried liquefied petroleum gas products from the Chevron refinery.
What lessons were learned? Stronger infrastructure, upgraded tank cars, better drainage, and closer emergency planning are all necessary to reduce risk.
Conclusion
The January 12, 2017, derailment of an oil train near the Chevron refinery in El Segundo stands as both a narrow escape and a warning. While no oil spilled and no one was injured, the event underscored the vulnerability of rail systems under stress from weather and the inherent dangers of transporting hazardous cargo through populated and industrial areas. The cause—rain-weakened tracks on a curve—illustrates how even natural conditions can interact with heavy industry to create emergencies. For regulators, rail operators, and communities, the message is clear: infrastructure investment, preventive inspection, and robust safety planning are not optional. The El Segundo derailment may not have ended in tragedy, but it shows how close Southern California came to a far worse outcome, and why lessons from this event must shape future policies to protect both people and the environment.
ESFD is onscene of an incident/several derailed train cars in the area of Chapman Way and Douglas Street. No evacs at this time. pic.twitter.com/FZ5ZtEQ9U8
— El Segundo Fire Dept (@dept_el) January 12, 2017