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On the morning of Monday, June 30, 2025, a serious train derailment occurred near Constitution Avenue and Independence Avenue in Hartford, Wisconsin, prompting a large emergency response and raising environmental and public health concerns. The Wisconsin and Southern Railroad train involved in the incident included three engines and sixteen railcars, all of which derailed, spilling large quantities of diesel fuel and damaging a tank containing nitrous oxide. According to Hartford Fire and Rescue Chief Tony Burgard, the nitrous oxide tank was damaged, though the tank has not leaked.
Emergency crews from seven local fire departments, environmental management teams, and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) rushed to the scene. While no fatalities were reported, three train conductors were taken to the hospital with minor injuries.
Officials estimate that several thousand gallons of diesel fuel leaked into the soil near the tracks and a nearby ditch line. Although early reports suggest the spill was largely contained to the immediate area and prevented from reaching the Rubicon River, environmental remediation efforts are ongoing. A Massachusetts-based company, Clean Harbors, has been tasked with the cleanup and will remain on-site for several days.
The cause of the derailment is still under investigation, and crews continue working to clear the railcars and engines. If you or a loved one has been impacted by the Hartford train derailment, contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free consultation. Our experienced legal team is here to help you understand your rights and options.
When Rail Corporations Prioritize Profit Over Public Safety
Train derailments aren’t just industrial mishaps– they are often the result of systemic failures by major rail corporations that cut corners on safety in the name of profit. While the Hartford incident fortunately did not result in fatalities, three conductors were hospitalized, and nearby residents were left shaken.
In other recent derailments across the country, including the Tunnel Five Fire in Washington and the Rowena Fire in Oregon, we’ve seen firsthand how negligence in the rail industry can lead to deadly fires, toxic exposure, and catastrophic community harm. Time and again, derailments like this point to a deeper issue—when rail companies cut corners on safety, communities pay the price.
Even when no fatalities occur, the impact can be profound. Workers, residents, and emergency personnel can suffer respiratory illness, skin damage, emotional trauma, and more. The cleanup process can stretch on for weeks, leaving communities in limbo while corporations shift responsibility.
“Incidents like this aren’t just accidents, they are often preventable failures of oversight,” said Laura Singleton. “We’ve gone up against some of the biggest railroad companies in the nation, and understand how to hold them accountable when they put lives at risk.”
Legal Help for Train Workers, Residents, and Business Owners Affected by The Derailment
Those affected by this derailment, whether through physical injury, toxic exposure, or economic disruption, may be entitled to legal compensation. These claims aren’t just about recovering losses; they’re about sending a message that cutting corners on safety is unacceptable.
Who Might Have A Claim?
- Train crew members injured in the derailment
- Nearby residents impacted by chemical fumes
- Business owners who lose revenue due to road closures or cleanup operations
Potential compensation may include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income or diminished earning capacity
- Emotional distress or psychological trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term health effects
When powerful rail corporations are involved, these cases are often complex, but
Singleton Schreiber has the experience, resources, and determination to stand up for victims and pursue justice at every level.
If you or a loved one was affected by the Hartford train derailment, contact Singleton Schreiber today for a free and confidential consultation.