A Norfolk Southern cargo train derailed in Ohio on Saturday evening, one month after the derailment of another company train carrying hazardous materials sparked concerns about the safety of those nearby.
The Saturday incident took place near the town of Springfield, Ohio, as the 212-car train traveled south, a company spokesperson said. About 20 cars from the train, which did not have passengers on board, derailed by State Route 41 near the Clark County Fairgrounds, leading officials to advise locals within 1,000 feet of the scene to shelter in place. The derailment also caused more than 1,500 residents to temporarily lose power.
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Norfolk Southern maintains that there were no hazardous materials aboard the train that could lead to anything like what occurred in East Palestine, Ohio in February.
Thirty eight cars of a 150-car train derailed on Feb. 3 while carrying at least five hazardous chemicals, including cancer-causing vinyl chloride, in the eastern Ohio town. After temporarily evacuating residents, officials intentionally released the chemicals into the air while scrambling to avoid an explosion.
Scores of livestock and other animals have died in the weeks since the toxic fumes spread through the small town. Residents, meanwhile, have reported symptoms including rashes, sore throats, nausea, headaches, and burning sensations in their eyes. They have also reported lingering chemical odors.
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After taking criticism for the federal government’s response to the incident, senior Biden administration officials including Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg vowed to hold the rail company accountable. In response to Saturday’s derailment, Buttigieg tweeted that he was monitoring the situation and was in touch with state officials.
“I have been briefed by FRA leadership and spoke with Gov. DeWine to offer our support after the derailment today in Clark County, Ohio,” he wrote. “No hazardous material release has been reported, but we will continue to monitor closely and FRA personnel are en route.”
