On May 28th and 29th, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) conducted a two-day hearing on the toxic train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio on December 12th, 2019. The derailment involved a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials, including hydrochloric acid and styrene monomer, which spilled into a nearby creek and caused the evacuation of over 400 residents.
The purpose of the hearing was to gather information and testimony from various parties involved in the incident, including representatives from Norfolk Southern, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and local emergency responders. The NTSB also presented their preliminary findings on the cause of the derailment.
According to the NTSB, the derailment was caused by a broken rail that had been previously identified as needing repair. The rail had been inspected by Norfolk Southern employees just two days before the incident, but the inspection failed to detect the defect. The NTSB also found that Norfolk Southern had not adequately trained their employees on how to identify and report potential defects in the track.
During the hearing, representatives from Norfolk Southern acknowledged their responsibility for the incident and outlined steps they have taken to improve their inspection and maintenance procedures. They also expressed their commitment to working with local officials and residents to address any ongoing concerns related to the derailment.
Local emergency responders also testified about their response to the incident, including their efforts to evacuate residents and contain the spill. They highlighted the challenges they faced due to the hazardous nature of the materials involved and emphasized the importance of ongoing training and preparedness for similar incidents in the future.
The FRA also provided testimony on their oversight of Norfolk Southern and their role in ensuring compliance with federal safety regulations. They outlined steps they have taken to address concerns related to track maintenance and inspection, including increased inspections and more rigorous training requirements for railroad employees.
Overall, the two-day hearing provided valuable insight into the causes and response to the toxic train derailment in East Palestine. It highlighted the importance of ongoing vigilance and preparedness in preventing similar incidents from occurring in the future, and the need for continued collaboration between railroad companies, emergency responders, and regulatory agencies to ensure the safety of communities near rail lines.
