Appeals court overturns finding that BNSF Railway contributed to 2 asbestos deaths in a Montana town - AP News
AP News
February 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
An appeals court has overturned a lower court’s ruling that found BNSF Railway contributed to the deaths of two individuals in Anaconda, Montana, caused by asbestos-related diseases. The appellate court determined that there was insufficient evidence directly linking BNSF’s operations or waste disposal practices to the fatalities. This decision marks a significant legal outcome for the railway company, which had been held liable for negligence in a case tied to historical asbestos contamination in the town.
The case stemmed from allegations that BNSF and its predecessor railroad, Burlington Northern, were responsible for improper disposal of materials containing asbestos at a site near Anaconda decades ago. Plaintiffs argued that this waste contributed to the health risks faced by residents, including two individuals who died from mesothelioma and asbestosis. While the lower court found BNSF liable in 2018, the appeals court ruled that the evidence did not conclusively prove a direct connection between the company’s actions and the deaths.
This legal battle highlights the challenges of linking long-term environmental harm to specific corporate practices, particularly when dealing with historical contamination. The outcome raises questions about how companies are held accountable for public health crises tied to their operations. For readers interested in corporate accountability and environmental safety, this case underscores the complexities of proving causation in asbestos-related litigation and its implications for future legal battles involving industrial waste and public health.
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Originally published on AP News on 2/25/2026