Ohio train derailment: Norfolk Southern CFO says company will ‘take responsibility’ for disaster
Jack Birle
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The chief financial officer of the company at the center of the train derailment involving toxic materials in East Palestine, Ohio, said the company will “take responsibility” for the disaster.
Mark George, Norfolk Southern’s CFO, told investors at a conference that the company will be working to make things right with the rural Ohio community, per Reuters.
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“We take responsibility. … We’re fully dedicated to making things right,” George said. “We’re here for the long term.”
The ownership of responsibility comes after Norfolk Southern has been under threat of penalty from several officials for its handling of safety with its trains after the derailment on Feb. 3.
The train that derailed earlier this month in East Palestine had 20 cars carrying hazardous materials. Of those, 11 derailed, causing environmental and safety concerns in the surrounding rural area.
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The Biden administration is reportedly considering significant penalties against the company if it does not keep its word and clean up the toxic mess in the rural Ohio town. Gov. Josh Shapiro (D-PA) filed a criminal complaint against Norfolk Southern, alleging the company was initially uncooperative.
Former President Donald Trump visited the town affected by the derailment, while Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is set to visit the community Thursday.