KCS responds to Joplin, Mo., tornado

Kansas City Southern CEO David Starling issued a statement concerning the May 22 tornado that ripped a six-mile path through Joplin, Mo., destroying a significant part of the city. The statement read in part: The KCS railroad through Joplin was relatively unscathed. The tornado touched down about a half mile west of its tracks and crossed over the railroad between 18th and 20th Streets. Flashing signals are located at each grade crossing and were severely damaged. A few trees were across the track, but no power lines. KCS maintenance-of-way forces were on the scene shortly after the tornado and the main line was open to run trains by midnight; however, the operating team chose to wait until 7:00 a.m. to start operations due to the uncertainty throughout the city. The 18th Street crossing signal was repaired and is back in service. The 20th Street crossing is currently protected by flagmen as train operations are back to normal through Joplin with a 25-mile per hour speed restriction. The 20th Street crossing is in the process of being repaired. KCS has 10 employees living in Joplin. All employees and their families have been confirmed to be safe, although some damage was reported to some homes. KCS is providing assistance to the few families that have specific needs. The Kansas City Southern Charitable Fund made a contribution to Heart to Heart International, an organization that has already deployed volunteer medical professionals, supplies and a Mobile Medical Clinic. Heart to Heart's response continuum includes readiness, response, recovery, rebuilding and restoration.