The East Palestine City School District has announced plans to file a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern railroad next, seeking to recover emergency response costs and compel the company to fulfill what the district says are financial commitments made after the February 2023 train derailment.
In a news advisory, the district said the lawsuit, to be filed in federal court in Youngstown on April 30, will detail how Norfolk Southern allegedly failed to reimburse costs incurred due to the derailment. These costs include housing and transporting residents displaced by evacuation orders and the use of school facilities by emergency personnel.
The district also contends that Norfolk Southern has not followed through on promises to relocate and rebuild the district’s athletic facilities and construct a community wellness center, projects the district estimates will cost over $30 million.
The derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train on Feb. 3, 2023, resulted in the release of over 100,000 gallons of toxic chemicals, prompting widespread concern and disruption in the community.
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The district said Superintendent James Rook and attorney Ashlie Case Sletvold of the law firm Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise will discuss the lawsuit during a video-based news event scheduled for 1:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 30.
The Peiffer Wolf law firm, which has offices in Youngstown and other cities, specializes in complex litigation.
Norfolk Southern did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Full Source: WFMJ April 24 2025
