Any time a freight train derails with auto carriers, every car must be destroyed, even those with minumal damage, often time by physically crushing and burying, on site if available, No parts salvage allowed and physical security is on site to ensure it is accomplished. The obvious reason, though it seems a waste, is lawyers -- if a car was in a subsequent wreck with injuries or death the attorneys would sue the railroad and maybe the car maker with enormous liability costs. It doesn't matter the reality, it's the perception and it prevents future payouts that may be many times the cost of replacing the cars.
It will be interesting how the insurance carriers deal with this, probably the same way - maybe disposal at sea after removing battery and fluids.
“It will be interesting how the insurance carriers deal with this, probably the same way - maybe disposal at sea after removing battery and fluids.
I would imagine they salvage the metal at least.