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Under scrutiny for what Republicans and Democrats are calling a slow response to the fiery Norfolk Southern Railway train derailment on Feb. 3 in eastern Ohio, Secretary of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg sent a letter on Feb. 19 to the railroad’s CEO demanding that the company “demonstrate unequivocal support for the people” of East Palestine as the village continues to recover from the disaster.
Buttigieg’s letter was sent shortly after Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw visited East Palestine on Feb. 17.
“Norfolk Southern must live up to its commitment to make residents whole – and must also live up to its obligation to do whatever it takes to stop putting communities such as East Palestine at risk,” Buttigieg wrote. “This is the right time for Norfolk Southern to take a leadership position within the rail industry, shifting to a posture that focuses on supporting, not thwarting, efforts to raise the standard of U.S. rail safety regulation.”
“It is imperative that your company be unambiguous and forthright in its commitment to take care of the residents – now and in the future,” Buttigieg added.
On Feb. 3, an eastbound Norfolk Southern Railway train of 151 cars derailed in East Palestine. According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), “38 rail cars derailed, and a fire ensued which damaged an additional 12 cars.”
“There were 20 total hazardous material cars in the train consist—11 of which derailed,” an NTSB statement read.
Fears escalated in the immediate aftermath of the crash. Seeking to avoid an explosion, officials decided to release and burn vinyl chloride from five rail cars, which sent flames and black smoke billowing into the sky once more.
Vinyl chloride, a chemical used to make PVC pipes and other products, has received extensive attention as part of the emergency. The National Cancer Institute notes that vinyl chloride has been linked to cancers of the brain, lungs, blood, lymphatic system, and liver.
Other rail cars contained ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, isobutylene, and butyl acrylate, which are all used in the making of plastic products.
Emergency response crews quickly reported chemical contamination in Sulphur Run and Leslie Run, two local streams.
While state and federal health officials say that testing shows that water and air are safe, residents in East Palestine and surrounding communities are complaining of headaches, vomiting, skin rashes, burning eyes, and other ailments.
While visiting East Palestine on Feb. 17, Shaw said, “I am here to support the community. We know we will be judged by our actions, and we are taking this accountability and responsibility very seriously.”
Shaw released an open letter to East Palestine residents on Feb. 16.
“When I visited East Palestine last week, you told me how the train derailment has upended your lives and how concerned you are about the safety of your air, water, and land. Many of you have also reached out to Norfolk Southern to share your fears, your anger, and your frustration.
“I hear you. We hear you.”
Shaw added, “[Norfolk Southern] will stay here for as long as it takes to ensure your safety and to help East Palestine recover and thrive.”
He said that “crews are cleaning the site thoroughly, responsibly, and safely,” and that the company’s Family Assistance Center “is helping community members meet immediate needs.”
Shaw also announced, “Together with local health officials, we have implemented a comprehensive testing program to ensure the safety of East Palestine’s water, air, and soil. And we have established a $1 million community support fund as a down payment on our commitment to help rebuild.
“I know there are still a lot of questions without answers. I know you’re tired. I know you’re worried. We will not let you down.”
The NTSB is investigating the cause of the derailment, Buttigieg explained. The Federal Railroad Administration is analyzing whether safety violations happened and will hold Norfolk Southern accountable if violations occurred.
