Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw visited East Palestine, Ohio, on Saturday, the village where a train derailed on Feb. 3 and caused a toxic chemical mess.
During his visit to East Palestine, Shaw told reporters that he was there to show his “support to the community.” The railroad company has promised not to abandon the village or its people in the weeks following the derailment, according to Fox Business.
OHIO TRAIN DERAILMENT: SALENA ZITO SAYS VICTIMS FEEL ‘VULNERABLE’
“Our company will be working tirelessly every day to get East Palestine back on its feet as soon as possible,” Shaw said in a statement released Friday. “We know we will be judged by our actions, and we are taking this accountability and responsibility very seriously.”
In a letter to East Palestine, Shaw assured residents that Norfolk Southern would “not walk away” from the village and that the company would stay with the residents “as long as it takes to ensure your safety.” The company has already established a $1 million community support fund as a down payment to help rebuild the village.
On Friday, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) vowed that he would make sure Norfolk Southern pays for the train derailment, assuring East Palestine residents the company would cover all the costs for the damage, including any future costs if it turns out that the toxic chemicals could one day cause cancer.
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Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) visited East Palestine earlier this week and posted a video to social media of him visiting a local creek where he said there were “dead worms and dead fish” throughout the bed of water. Vance encouraged viewers to “not forget” the residents of the village.
Visited a local creek in East Palestine today. These waterways are still very polluted. It’s time for Norfolk Southern to finish the cleanup. Check this video out: pic.twitter.com/4lsHBmrMJj
— J.D. Vance (@JDVance1) February 16, 2023
Former President Donald Trump announced on Saturday he will visit East Palestine on Feb. 22. The White House currently does not have any plans for President Joe Biden to visit.
