7 Years Ago Today, A Train Derailed And Exploded In Rockford

Seven years ago today, Rockford made national news when a massive train derailment and fire caused one death and injured six.

I remember that day like it was yesterday. My family and I were driving down Sandy Hollow Road when as I recall it, being directed elsewhere due to a massive fire at the tracks where Mulford and Sandy Hollow Roads meet.

The fire from the derailment lasted nearly two days according to a June 2009 web post on CNN.

The fallout from the derailment, ensuing explosion and subsequent fire were massive. According to WIFR in 2011, "The family of a Rockford woman killed in the 2009 train derailment has been awarded a combined settlement of $36 million dollars."

According to the Rockford Register Star, The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) issued a final report on the derailment in 2012, including 15 recommendations for safety improvements.

Do you remember the train derailment, explosion and fire in Rockford seven years ago today?