A family that owns land in the Doon area has settled a lawsuit with Burlington Northern SantaFe Railroad for the damage caused to their property after a train derailment. Thirty-three cars carrying crude oil from Alberta, Canada derailed just south of Doon on June 22 of 2018. Ten of those cars leaked a total of 160,000 gallons of crude oil, some of which flowed into the Little Rock River. The railroad reported more than 100,000 gallons were recovered.
The Philip, Kristi, John, and Helen Kooima family from Rock Valley owns land in that area, and sued the railway alleging BNSF was aware that the tracks over which the train was to be operated were not properly maintained, and were unsafe. The suit states BNSF knew of the track’s conditions yet allowed trains to travel over them. Documents state the oil caused “catastrophic property and environmental damage.”
The suit states the injuries and damages to the Kooimas are the result of BNSF’s negligence. The suit also claims the land has been suffering “severe, permanent and disabling damages,” which will continue into the future. As a result, there is a permanent loss of property value.
The case was scheduled to go to trial in 2025, but last month, the parties reached a settlement, and the case has been closed. Terms of the settlement were not disclosed.
Courtesy of Community First Broadcasting Partner KIWA
