Article Summary –
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that Norfolk Southern and its contractors overestimated the risk of explosion following a train derailment in Ohio last year, leading to the unnecessary release and burn of chemicals. The failure to provide timely information to emergency responders and the use of a vulnerable train car model that punctured and spilled chemicals further exacerbated the situation. The NTSB’s 17-month investigation has resulted in a call for tighter regulations and improved safety measures, blaming Norfolk Southern and its contractors for the decision to vent and burn off vinyl chloride from five train cars.
Norfolk Southern Overstated Risks in East Palestine Train Derailment, NTSB Finds
Norfolk Southern and its contractors overestimated the risk of explosion following the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment last year, leading to an unnecessary chemical burn-off, according to the National Transportation Safety Board. The rail company’s failure to swiftly inform emergency services further exposed the public to hazards.
The board also found chemical shippers’ use of a vulnerable model of train car, which leaked chemicals after the derailment, escalated the situation by causing a fire. The National Transportation Safety Board has concluded its 17-month investigation into the February 2023 derailment.
Following the investigation, the agency proposed extensive recommendations for federal regulators and rail companies to improve safety measures. Norfolk Southern and its contractors, Specialized Professional Services Inc. and Specialized Response Solutions, were held responsible for the decision to vent and burn off vinyl chloride from the derailed train cars.
The derailment shook East Palestine, a town near the Pennsylvania border, bringing national attention to the subject of freight rail safety and leaving residents worried about contamination.
Norfolk Southern stated that it had already addressed some of the issues identified, including providing emergency responders with key information, advocating for phasing out the vulnerable model of train cars, and training first responders. The Association of American Railroads announced that many of the NTSB’s recommendations are in line with industry positions.
The 38-car derailment escalated due to an overheated wheel bearing, which led to the train derailing. The situation worsened when three vulnerable tank cars leaked flammable chemicals which ignited. The railway and its contractors then took the unusual step of releasing and burning off vinyl chloride.
The NTSB’s full report will be released in the coming weeks. The investigation identified multiple safety issues contributing to the derailment, including inadequate hazardous materials training for Ohio volunteer firefighters and inefficient or limited response systems.
Last month, Norfolk Southern agreed to a $310 million settlement with the federal government, covering the Environmental Protection Agency’s cleanup efforts and penalties for alleged Clean Water Act violations. The company also reached a $600 million settlement in April to resolve class-action claims by residents and businesses.
Following the disaster, the Department of Transportation announced a requirement that railroads provide local emergency agencies with information about all hazardous materials being transported. The incident also led to a new federal rule requiring at least two people to operate long freight trains.
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