EASTERN PALESTINE, Ohio (AP) — The Ohio village rocked by the derailment of a freight train and the intentional burning of some of the dangerous chemicals on board invited affected residents to a town hall meeting Wednesday night to discuss lingering issues.
And there’s more: about the huge fumes, the lingering smells, the reports of sick or dead animals, the potential impact on drinking water, all the cleanliness. Even though school has resumed and the trains are running again, things are not the same.
In and around eastern Palestine near the Pennsylvania state line, people are wondering if the air and water around them is safe for people, pets and livestock. They want help managing the financial aid the railway is giving to the hundreds of families who were evacuated and want to know if it will be held accountable for what happened.
Rail operator Norfolk Southern said Tuesday it is also setting up a $1 million charitable trust to help the community of about 4,700 people as it continues remedial work, including removing spilled contaminants from soil and rivers and monitoring quality the air.
“We will be judged by our actions,” Norfolk Southern Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alan Shaw said in a statement. “We are cleaning up the site in an environmentally responsible way, reimbursing residents affected by the derailment, and working with community members to identify what is needed to help eastern Palestine recover and thrive.”
No one was injured when around 50 cars derailed in a fiery disaster on the outskirts of eastern Palestine on 3 February. As fears of a potential explosion grew, officials trying to avoid an uncontrolled explosion evacuated the area and opted to release and burn toxic vinyl chloride from five train cars, again spewing flames and black smoke.
A mechanical problem with the axle of a railroad car is suspected to be the cause of the derailment, and the National Transportation Safety Board said it has video that appears to show the wheel bearing overheating shortly before. The NTSB said it expects its preliminary report in about two weeks.
Misinformation and exaggeration spread online, and state and federal officials repeatedly assured that air monitoring had not detected any remaining concerns. Even low levels of contaminants not considered dangerous can create lingering odors or symptoms such as headaches, Ohio’s health director said Tuesday.
Precautions are also being taken to ensure that contaminants that have reached the Ohio River do not end up in drinking water.
I’m a passionate and motivated journalist with a focus on world news. My experience spans across various media outlets, including Buna Times where I serve as an author. Over the years, I have become well-versed in researching and reporting on global topics, ranging from international politics to current events.