Train accident with toxic cargo in small American town even mobilizes the White House
- What is known about train crashes that created toxic cloud and evacuation in US?
At least ten of the overturned wagons were loaded with toxic substances. Two are extremely harmful to health: vinyl chloride, used in the manufacture of plastics and solvents, and butyl acrylate, a raw material for paints and glues.
Exposure can cause eye and throat irritation, dizziness, nausea, and headaches. Vinyl chloride is carcinogenic and primarily attacks the liver.
The causes of the accident are being investigated. Mayor Trent Conaway ordered the evacuation of 1,500 residents from areas near the derailment.
Five days later everyone was allowed to go home. Environmental protection agencies initially concluded there was no contamination of water and air, but there were signs the region was unsafe: 3,500 Fish died in the Ohio River.
1 in 1 East Palestine people gathered in a gym in search of answers — Photo: JN East Palestine people gathered in a gym in search of answers — Photo: JN
“So far no one has come to test the water in my well.”
The Norfolk Southern railroad company, which is at the center of the disaster, did not show up for the meeting. The White House said Thursday (16) that it will hold the company accountable and has already dispatched health officials to assess the situation.
Environmental Protection Agency Director Michael Regan traveled to the city affected by the accident this Thursday (16th) and vowed not to rest until the region is safe. He said all homes will be assessed and air quality will also be analyzed.