Norfolk Southern must pay for the toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio

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On February 3, a toxic train carrying hazardous materials derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. Residents fear that the clean-up of the site could take years. In the meantime, the locals are starting to suffer health problems. And the long-term environmental damage is still unknown.

 50 cars of a freight train operated by Norfolk Southern derailed, crashed, and burned.  And black clouds of toxic smoke spewed over the community of about 5,000 people. The town is just a few miles from Ohio’s state line with Pennsylvania. 

It has since been confirmed that eleven of the derailed train cars were transporting hazardous materials. Five cars contained deadly vinyl chloride; a highly volatile colorless gas produced for commercial use.

There were no immediate injuries reported at the time of the accident. Now weeks later residents are suffering a variety of health concerns.

While the EPA says testing shows the air and municipal water in East Palestine are safe, Regan said those with symptoms they believe might be linked to the wreck should “seek medical attention.”