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Yesterday, Union Pacific Corp. announced it settled a class action lawsuit pertaining to a derailment near Eunice, La., in 2000.

Subject to court approval, UP will pay claimants $65 million in exchange for a release of all claims for damages. Currently, more than 10,000 formal claims have been filed.

UP will be reimbursed by insurers and the settlement will not impact the railroad's earnings, according to a prepared statement.

Thirty-four cars on a 113-car train derailed near Eunice, La., on May 27, 2000, spilling chemicals into a nearby bayou. Three of the cars exploded, forcing about 4,000 residents to evacuate for up to five days.