To the citizens and businesses of Lafayette, Louisiana:

BNSF sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience that may have been caused due to the derailment and evacuation on May 17, 2008.

The safety of the local residents has been our first priority. Clean up and monitoring of the site is now complete and all residents are back in their homes. BNSF would like to thank its employees and the local and state emergency responders for their efforts.

BNSF understands that this situation has affected many of our neighbors and local businesses. Our priority is to be responsive to those who have been inconvenienced, and we intend to resolve your claims promptly and fairly.

What to do if you have a claim:
Although the BNSF Claims Center is no longer in operation in Lafayette, evacuees and local businesses in the impacted area still have the opportunity to present their claims. If you are a business owner, please click here to download the Business Interruption Claim Form. You may also contact Patrick Newell, BNSF Claim Director, at (913) 551-4500 or via e-mail at Patrick.Newell@bnsf.com.

Residents may contact Bob Jeffries, BNSF Claim Manager, at (713) 847-3108 or via e-mail at Robert.Jeffries@bnsf.com.

We look forward to helping you with your issues and concerns.