NTSB Chair: Burning of Toxic Chemicals After Train Derailment in Ohio Wasn't Justified

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has expressed its concerns over the response to a train derailment in Eastern Ohio last year, citing that the decision to burn toxic chemicals from the tank cars was not justified.

Lack of Information

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy highlighted that key decision-makers did not have access to crucial information that could have affected their response. The vinyl chloride released during the accident, as well as other spilled chemicals, have prompted fears of potential long-term health consequences among the residents of East Palestine, Ohio.

Company's Input

Homendy pointed out that experts from Oxy Vinyls, the company responsible for the vinyl chloride, had informed contractors hired by Norfolk Southern railroad that they believed no dangerous chemical reaction was occurring. They suggested that there was no justification for a 'vent and burn' operation and proposed letting the chemicals cool down instead.

Communication Breakdown

However, this information was not relayed to Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and the first responders in charge of the situation. The lack of communication led to the controversial decision to proceed with the 'vent and burn' operation that resulted in towering flames and columns of smoke.

Political Response

Senator Sherrod Brown of Ohio criticized the unnecessary explosion, stating that it had a devastating impact on the community. The revelation has raised questions about the prioritization of profits over safety by Norfolk Southern.

Delayed Realization

The acknowledgment that the 'vent and burn' action was unwarranted comes more than a year after the derailment, adding to the frustration of the affected parties.

Unheard Opinions

Homendy emphasized that the decision-makers had overlooked Oxy Vinyls' opinion that the vinyl chloride was stable, instead relying on contractors' concerns and limited temperature readings taken at the scene.

Accountability

Despite the criticism, Republican Senator JD Vance highlighted the inadequacy of information provided to those on the ground, expressing the troubling nature of the circumstances. Norfolk Southern defended its decision, emphasizing that the priority was the safety of the community and preventing a potential uncontrolled explosion.

Community Impact and Health Concerns

Residents directly affected by the derailment shared their distress, with Krissy Ferguson expressing her disappointment in the government's response to the incident. Misti Allison echoed similar sentiments, attributing the decision to corporate greed and prioritization of profits over people.

Long-Term Health Effects

Concerns over the potential long-term health effects stemming from the incident remain unanswered, with residents questioning the availability of healthcare for all individuals, not just those participating in studies.

Cause of Derailment and Ongoing Impact

The NTSB indicated that an overheating bearing on one of the railcars likely caused the derailment. Despite prior detection of the issue, the crew did not have the opportunity to stop the train, resulting in the accident.

Community Health Concerns

As the cleanup of the derailment progresses, many residents continue to experience respiratory problems, rashes, and other health issues, indicating the lasting impact of the incident.

Financial Fallout

Norfolk Southern reported that its response to the disaster and the aid provided to the town incurred costs exceeding $1.1 billion. In response, an investor group critical of the railroad's actions and financial performance aims to replace the CEO and take control of the company.