Ohio train derailment preliminary safety report to be released two weeks after crash
Jack Birle
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The National Transportation Safety Board said it intends to have its initial report on a train derailment in eastern Ohio released in two weeks.
The derailment on the evening of Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio, involved a train that was carrying 20 cars of hazardous materials, with 10 of those derailing, causing environmental and safety concerns to the surrounding area.
REPUBLICANS PAN PETE BUTTIGIEG’S HANDLING OF OHIO TRAIN DISASTER
The NTSB said 38 train cars came off the tracks, with a fire damaging an additional 12 train cars. Shortly after the derailment, the area was evacuated due to concerns about the materials on the train, including vinyl chloride, phosgene, and hydrogen chloride.
The agency said the tank cars are being “decontaminated” at this time and that a more detailed examination will ensue once the process is completed.
The massive toxic chemical spill has caused concerns to residents and local wildlife, with several worried about long-term health risks.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been criticized for his handling of the train derailment, with Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) calling it “another transportation failure under Mayor Pete’s leadership.”
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Buttigieg addressed the train derailment in a tweet Tuesday, saying that DOT staff have been assisting in the response to the disaster in Ohio.
“From day one, our USDOT personnel have been assisting in the response to the Norfolk Southern derailment in Ohio. As NTSB conducts its investigation and EPA works to keep residents safe, our Federal Rail and Pipeline and Hazardous Material teams will continue to offer support,” Buttigieg said.