Train Derailment in East Palestine Releases Toxic Chemicals
On February 3, 2023, about 50 Norfolk Southern train cars carrying toxic materials went off the track in the village of East Palestine, Ohio. Ten of the 50 train cars were carrying hazardous materials, including vinyl chloride, a toxic flammable gas, and butyl acrylate. The derailment caused hazardous materials to spill, raising concerns about environmental pollution in the area.
Peiffer Wolf is fighting on behalf of those impacted by the Chemicals released in East Palestine, OH. If anyone from Norfolk Southern directly (or anyone working for Norfolk Southern) seeks to test your property or have you sign anything, you should contact an attorney immediately. Don’t sign away your rights without talking to an attorney. Contact Peiffer Wolf by filling out an online contact form or by calling 216-589-9280 for a FREE Consultation.
Toxic Fumes Released in East Palestine | What happened?
A train carrying toxic chemicals derailed near the Ohio/Pennsylvania border early February, leading to a fire that covered the town of East Palestine in smoke. East Palestine, Ohio has about 4,700 residents, many who are fearful for their health and lasting impacts after the derailment. After the incident, Ohio Governor Mike DeWIne raised alarms about a possible explosion, and residents on both the Ohio and Pennsylvania border were ordered to evacuate.
According to the NY Times, “Fearful of a major explosion, the authorities carved out an evacuation zone and carried out a controlled release of toxic fumes to neutralize burning cargo inside some of the trains cars.” Three days after the incident, authorities released and burned vinyl chloride inside five of the tanker cars, sending hydrogen chloride and the toxic gas phosgene into the air of East Palestine.
Potential Air, Soil and Water Pollution | What Next?
The derailment has raised concerns about air, soil and water pollution in the area. The EPA released a General Notice of Potential Liability letter sent to Matt Gernarnd, Deputy General Counsel for Norfolk Southern Railway Company, following the incident. As of February 13, the EPA has screened the air inside about 290 homes, with an additional 181 homes awaiting screening.
Not only are the nearby residents on high alert, but states using water from the Ohio River also have put precautionary measures in place.
- Further, many residents of the area are concerned about:
- What the long term health effects of vinyl chloride exposure may be?
- Whether residents should proactively seek medical screening?
- What property testing will need to be done in the future?
- Whether remediation of properties in the area will be required?
- How much the potential contamination caused by the derailment will lower property values?
If you have similar questions, Peiffer Wolf is here to help.
Finally, if anyone from Norfolk Southern directly (or anyone working for Norfolk Southern) seeks to test your property or have you sign anything, you should contact an attorney immediately! Don’t sign away your rights without talking to an attorney!
If you or a loved one lives in or near East Palestine, Ohio or have been impacted by the train derailment, you should Contact Peiffer Wolf by filling out an online contact form or by calling 216-589-9280 for a FREE Consultation.
Free Consultation | 216-589-9280
If you or a loved one lives in or near East Palestine, Ohio or have been impacted by the train derailment, you should Contact Peiffer Wolf by filling out an online contact form or by calling 216-589-9280 for a FREE Consultation.
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