Ohio sees second Norfolk Southern train derailment in one month

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
5 Mar 2023 09:12
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Residents living near the accident site were urged to shelter in place.

General view of the site of the derailment of a train carrying hazardous waste, in East Palestine, Ohio, US, March 2, 2023 (Reuters)

Local authorities reported that another Norfolk Southern train has derailed in the US state of Ohio, and citizens have been told to avoid the accident site.

The disaster occurred after a Norfolk Southern train derailed on February 3 in East Palestine, Ohio, 180 miles (290 kilometers) northeast of Springfield. The derailment in East Palestine released millions of pounds of poisonous chemicals, prompting thousands of people to evacuate.

The derailment of around 20 cars of a 212-car train on Saturday occurred near Springfield, according to Norfolk Southern in an emailed statement. The statement provided no explanation for the derailment.

"No hazardous materials are involved and there have been no reported injuries," Norfolk Southern claimed in a statement. "Our teams are en route to the site to begin cleanup operations."

"The Clark County Emergency Management Agency is asking residents within 1,000 feet of a train derailment at Ohio 41 near the Prime Ohio Business Park to shelter-in-place out of an abundance of caution," the county posted on social media, as quoted by WDTN.

BREAKING — The Clark County, Ohio Emergency Management Agency is asking residents within 1,000 feet of a train derailment at Ohio 41 near the Prime Ohio Business Park to shelter-in-place out of an abundance of caution https://t.co/SGiVUlwhyU pic.twitter.com/H0qiBhCaKC
— Chief Nerd (@TheChiefNerd) March 5, 2023

It further stated that there were power outages in the region owing to downed power lines caused by the accident and that it was unclear how long it would take to restore power.

Meanwhile, residents have also been urged to find alternate routes to avoid driving near the accident site.

This comes as about 4,750 residents are suffering from the health effects of the February 3 incident that spilled poisonous chemicals and resulted in a controlled burn of the substances among rising anger and rage from political leaders for the lack of engagement following the disaster.

Residents have complained about a variety of ailments in the weeks since the accident and are concerned about long-term health repercussions.

Residents affirmed suffering from recent health effects, such as headaches, burning skin, and irritated eyes, amid fears of long-term health hazards such as cancer, despite repeated assurances that the air and water are safe.

However, local and federal officials, as well as the rail business, insist that the situation is safe.