02/16/2023

Angry and Scared, Ohio Residents Question Response to Toxic Derailment

Emotions spill over at East Palestine town meeting

Fear, uncertainty and anger are mounting among residents of this Ohio village after a train derailment and fire unleashed a glut of toxic chemicals on Feb. 3. As officials have tried to assure residents in recent days that the town is safe to live in, locals say that’s only left them with more questions.

Concern about air pollution from the Norfolk Southern train’s wrecked rail cars has given way to long-term worries about contamination of the water and soil in East Palestine and beyond. Many who evacuated as the blaze burned are questioning whether it was safe to come back. Some say they are suffering headaches and rashes and are not comforted by what they see as a lack of solid answers from authorities.

At a town hall meeting Wednesday night, residents left with few answers and more anxiety.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Washington Post.