Another Ohio Train Derailment Adds to Norfolk Southern’s Safety Record Woes

Norfolk Southern Railway’s accident records grew after another one of its trains was thrown off the tracks outside Springfield (Ohio) on March 4.

Norfolk Southern stated in a statement, that around 5:50 p.m., 20 cars of the 212-car train left the track near Clark County Fairgrounds.

The crash occurred within 1,000 feet from the homes of those who lived near it. Residents were asked to seek shelter elsewhere. “abundance of caution,” According to Clark County Emergency Management Agency.

According to the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, emergency crews and hazmat teams responded to the derailment.

Norfolk Southern reported that the train was free of hazardous material and there were no injuries.

Springfield lies between Columbus and Dayton, approximately 200 miles from East Palestine.

It happened less than one month after an East Palestine train was derailed by Norfolk Southern in Ohio.

The village was hit by a freight train of 151 cars from Norfolk Southern Railway on February 3.

The train collided with 38 railroad cars, which caused a derailment and an explosion that resulted in 12 additional cars being damaged.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board, eleven of the 20 vehicles carrying dangerous materials were derail.

The immediate aftermath of the disaster brought on increased fear. In an effort to keep shrapnel from exploding, officials deliberately released vinyl chloride and burnt it on Feb. 6. This created a cloud of black smoke visible for miles and could have been seen by anyone looking.

East Palestine, a small village with 4,761 inhabitants is located in Ohio about a mile away from Pennsylvania’s border. The recovery of East Palestine, as well as the surrounding areas in western Pennsylvania, continues, despite questions about air, soil, water safety.

Criticism continues to be levelled at Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation for his inability to make public comments about the East Palestine rail derailment within 10 days and also not making a visit the site until Feb. 23rd after President Donald Trump had arrived.

Monitor closely

Buttigieg tweeted that he had been briefed on the Federal Railroad Administration’s derailment in Springfield, March 4th. He also said that he had spoken to the Ohio Governor. Another figure facing complaints is Mike DeWine.

“No hazardous material release has been reported, but we will continue to monitor closely and FRA personnel are en route,” Buttigieg said.

DeWine tweeted, “Late this afternoon, an @nscorp train derailed in Clark County. We don’t believe hazardous materials were involved.”

DeWine reported that the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and Ohio Emergency Management Agency arrived in support of first responders.

“President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg called me to offer help from the federal government,” DeWine was also added.

Safety Essentials

The recent incident involving Norfolk Southern will probably focus more attention to railroad safety measures.

Mikal Watts, a Texas-based lawyer who is also a partner with Erin Brockovich (environment activist) and Robert W. Bowcock (water expert).