Saturday evening, a Norfolk Southern cargo train derailed in Springfield, making it the second train to derail in Ohio in the past month.
On February 3, a Norfolk Southern train hauling hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, prompting a temporary evacuation and ongoing concerns about air and water pollution.
Have a look at what we know so far.
Exactly What Transpired?
According to a Norfolk Southern spokesman, a 212-car train moving south near Springfield derailed at around 5 p.m. on Saturday.
When The Train Derailed, What Was It Transporting?
The derailment did not endanger anyone because the train was not carrying any dangerous cargo or passengers. On Sunday, authorities confirmed there was no poisonous substance.
The Clark County, Emergency Management Agency, reports that two derailed cars had diesel exhaust fluid, and two contained polyacrylamide water solution.
Has Anything Leaked Or Broken During The Derailment?
No injuries or threats to public health have been reported as of yet. “There was no indication of spillage at the location, as confirmed by crews from the railway’s owner/operator, Norfolk Southern, the Clark County Hazmat team, and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency,” the Clark County EMA said in a press release.
Is Water Contamination A Cause For Alarm?
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has stated that because the derailment did not occur in a protected water source area, public water systems and private wells are not at risk. Railroads frequently transport hazardous materials, including Diesel Exhaust Fluid and Polyacrylamide Water Solution, according to a statement from the Clark County Emergency Management Agency.
If you want to read more news, check below:
- Former Georgia Cop Charged In 2019 Burglary For Killing 16-Year-Old Missing Girl
- A Georgia Man Is Charged With Impersonating A Police Officer
Are Locals Being Forced To Leave Their Homes?
Clark County Emergency Management Agency posted on Facebook that it has not issued any formal evacuation orders but that homeowners within 1,000 feet of the derailment should shelter in place out of excessive caution. Haven conditions are no longer required.
The area’s roads were closed, and several people lost power.
A representative for Norfolk Southern stated that they are working with local authorities and hope to have the wreckage cleared by Sunday midday.
What Do Local, State, And Federal Leaders Have To Say?
Rep. Mike Turner (R-Dayton) said on Sunday’s Meet the Press that the latest derailment was “outrageous.” It was agreed upon that the rail business lacked enough oversight.
Turner emphasised that the risk to communities is intolerable. The fact that “derailment after derailment” is happening is evidence of a “lack of investment, disinvestment,” in the country’s infrastructure, which must be addressed.
Ohio Democrat U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown issued a statement Saturday condemning Norfolk Southern.
Four derailments have occurred on Norfolk Southern trains in Ohio in the past five months, at Sandusky, Steubenville, East Palestine, and Springfield, all because the company cares more about its bottom line than the safety of its customers in the Buckeye State. Brown argued that Ohioans shouldn’t have to brace themselves for the next natural disaster constantly.
According to a tweet from the state’s governor, federal officials have contacted to offer assistance in the wake of the incident. They include President Joseph Biden and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg.
Buttigieg revealed through Twitter that the Federal Railroad Administration had briefed him on the situation.
No reports of a leak of hazardous materials have been received, but “FRA personnel are on their route,” Mayor Buttigieg stated.
Comment below if you appreciate this news. Tweet us for updates.
