Nation: Playing Railroad Roulette

A game that caused 20 deaths

While workers were preparing to transfer 20,000 gal. of liquid propane gas from a derailed tank car to trucks in Waverly, Tenn., the gas suddenly exploded, leveling 14 buildings. "It was just like you were thrown into a furnace," said Truck Driver Carl Stokes, who was burned severely. "It was like a power throwing us into the sun. People were walking, their clothes were gone and their bodies were completely burned." The toll: twelve dead and at least 50 injured.

Two days later, as a 140-car freight train rumbled...

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