Posted on Feb 7, 2023
Ohio crews conduct a 'controlled release' of toxic chemicals from derailed train cars
585
7
1
5
5
0
https://www.npr.org/2023/02/06/ [login to see] /ohio-train-derailment
Crews in Ohio began to release hazardous chemicals from five cars of a train that derailed amid fears of a "catastrophic" explosion on Monday at the site near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.
What officials also called a "controlled explosion" began on Monday afternoon with reports of a loud boom and large plume of black smoke seen.
"We know the smoke looked alarming, but we are being told that everything was carried out according to plan," Pennsylvania's emergency management agency said on Monday evening.
The agency said environmental monitors had "detected nothing alarming" in air and water measurements. Pennsylvania's governor urged those within the evacuation zone to stay inside.
Scott Deutsch of Norfolk Southern Railroad said the release process entailed creating a small hole in each one of the tank cars and allowing substances to go down into a pit which is then lit on fire. "We are doing this so we control these tank cars that we have concerns with," Deutsch said on Monday.
Crews in Ohio began to release hazardous chemicals from five cars of a train that derailed amid fears of a "catastrophic" explosion on Monday at the site near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.
What officials also called a "controlled explosion" began on Monday afternoon with reports of a loud boom and large plume of black smoke seen.
"We know the smoke looked alarming, but we are being told that everything was carried out according to plan," Pennsylvania's emergency management agency said on Monday evening.
The agency said environmental monitors had "detected nothing alarming" in air and water measurements. Pennsylvania's governor urged those within the evacuation zone to stay inside.
Scott Deutsch of Norfolk Southern Railroad said the release process entailed creating a small hole in each one of the tank cars and allowing substances to go down into a pit which is then lit on fire. "We are doing this so we control these tank cars that we have concerns with," Deutsch said on Monday.
Ohio crews conduct a 'controlled release' of toxic chemicals from derailed train cars
Posted from npr.orgPosted in these groups: East Palestine
Chemicals
Hazmat
State of PennsylvaniaNorfolk Southern Railroad
Chemicals Hazmat State of PennsylvaniaNorfolk Southern Railroad
Posted 1 y ago
Responses: 1
1
1
0
PO1 William "Chip" Nagel
..."Air and water are being monitored for contamination
The operation follows concerns about hazardous materials such as vinyl chloride, phosgene and combustible liquids contained in the derailed cars.
The Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency said it was monitoring the air quality and sampling the water in the Sulphur Run, a nearby stream, for any contamination. As of Sunday afternoon, officials told residents that the air and drinking water were safe.
On Sunday evening, Columbiana County Sheriff Brian McLaughlin said there was "a high probability of a toxic gas release and or explosion." Local, state and federal authorities have been on site to prevent a blast.
The East Palestine City School District was closed on Monday. Several roads were also closed throughout the village of East Palestine.
About 50 cars of a Norfolk Southern train went off track in East Palestine on Friday around 9 p.m. local time. The train was eastbound heading from Madison, Ill., to Conway, Pa.
The derailment led to a days-long fire that caused a strong odor around the area, according to member station WOSU.
Ten of the 50 derailed cars contained hazardous materials — five of which include vinyl chloride, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
In a press conference on Sunday, the agency said investigations are ongoing but preliminary findings indicate one of the rail car axles experienced mechanical issues.
The agency added that three crew members on the train were able to evacuate and no injuries have been reported."
..."Air and water are being monitored for contamination
The operation follows concerns about hazardous materials such as vinyl chloride, phosgene and combustible liquids contained in the derailed cars.
The Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency said it was monitoring the air quality and sampling the water in the Sulphur Run, a nearby stream, for any contamination. As of Sunday afternoon, officials told residents that the air and drinking water were safe.
On Sunday evening, Columbiana County Sheriff Brian McLaughlin said there was "a high probability of a toxic gas release and or explosion." Local, state and federal authorities have been on site to prevent a blast.
The East Palestine City School District was closed on Monday. Several roads were also closed throughout the village of East Palestine.
About 50 cars of a Norfolk Southern train went off track in East Palestine on Friday around 9 p.m. local time. The train was eastbound heading from Madison, Ill., to Conway, Pa.
The derailment led to a days-long fire that caused a strong odor around the area, according to member station WOSU.
Ten of the 50 derailed cars contained hazardous materials — five of which include vinyl chloride, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
In a press conference on Sunday, the agency said investigations are ongoing but preliminary findings indicate one of the rail car axles experienced mechanical issues.
The agency added that three crew members on the train were able to evacuate and no injuries have been reported."
(1)
(0)
Read This Next
Continue with Facebook 
Continue with Google