Norfolk Southern prepare derails in Ohio—once more

Round 20 vehicles of a 212-car prepare derailed whereas touring southbound close to Springfield Saturday night, the corporate mentioned in an emailed assertion. No hazardous supplies are concerned and there have been no reported accidents, it mentioned. 

Norfolk Southern is grappling with the fallout from the East Palestine, Ohio, crash that left residents frightened about contaminated air and water. Whereas prepare derailments occur pretty usually, the Feb. 3 incident drew particular scrutiny after hazardous chemical compounds had been spilled, forcing an evacuation of the neighborhood of about 4,700 folks as authorities deliberately vented and burned tank vehicles to forestall an explosion.

Clark County officers mentioned on Saturday they’re asking residents inside 1,000 toes to shelter in place “out of an abundance of warning,” however aren’t at present issuing evacuation orders. Greater than 1,500 residents are with out electrical energy due to downed energy strains, officers mentioned in a Fb submit. 

Norfolk Southern groups are en path to the location to start cleanup operations, in keeping with the corporate’s assertion. Federal Railroad Administration officers are additionally on the best way, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg mentioned on Twitter. 

The incident might amp up the strain already on Norfolk Southern. Senator Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat, pointed to the 2 derailments and at the very least two different incidents involving the corporate’s trains within the state in latest months, calling them “unacceptable” and accusing Norfolk Southern of placing revenue margins earlier than security.

“Ohio communities shouldn’t be compelled to reside in concern of one other catastrophe,” Brown, who is without doubt one of the sponsors of a brand new Senate invoice aimed toward tackling railway security, mentioned in an announcement.

–With help from Ari Natter.