​​On Saturday, May 27, 2000, about 11:48 a.m., central daylight time, 33 of the 113 cars making up eastbound Union Pacific Railroad train QFPLI-26 derailed near Eunice, Louisiana. Of the derailed cars, 15 contained hazardous materials and 2 contained hazardous materials residue. The derailment resulted in a release of hazardous materials with explosions and fire. About 3,500 people were evacuated from the surrounding area, which included some of the business area of Eunice. No one was injured during the derailment of the train or the subsequent release of hazardous materials. Total damages exceeded $35 million. 

We determined that the probable cause of ​​the May 27, 2000, derailment of Union Pacific train QFPLI-26 was the failure of a set of joint bars that had remained in service with undetected and uncorrected defects because of the Union Pacific Railroad's ineffective track inspection procedures and inadequate management oversight.

​​We made recommendations to the Federal Railroad Administration, the Union Pacific Railroad, and the Association of American Railroads. ​​