Ohio train derailment: Governor holds Norfolk Southern accountable

Ohio governor Mike DeWine may hold Norfolk Southern “accountable” for the February 3 train derailment that led to a chemical spill.

Residents fear long-term health issues
DeWine’s announcement on Wednesday comes as residents fear the long-term environmental and health impacts the chemical spill would have.

One of the chemicals spilled was vinyl chloride, which causes a rare liver cancer after sustained exposure.

Experts warn that the extent of damage to the environment and health will take a while to assess.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has surveyed houses and declared well water is safe to consume, but houses pending the EPA survey have been instructed to use bottled water.

Norfolk has also handed out 100+ air purifiers so far.

Norfolk Southern spokesperson announced yesterday that $1.5 million is allocated towards response to the chemical spill while initial estimates predict it would cost between $40 million–$50 million.

Zooming out
Lawmakers in Congress are urging an investigation of federal oversight in freight train transport regulations. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the train derailment disaster.

Railroad employees allege that Norfolk Southern lobbied for years to ease train regulations.