"EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Norfolk Southern and its contractors botched the decision to blow open five vinyl chloride tank cars after last year’s disastrous derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and trackside detectors that might have prevented the crash failed to accurately detect the temperature of a burning wheel bearing 20 miles (32.19 kilometers) beforehand, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
Area residents, rail industry representatives and local and state officials packed East Palestine High School’s auditorium Tuesday to hear the NTSB’s investigation findings and recommendations to prevent similar disasters.
“On behalf of the entire agency I want to recognize the significant impact this derailment has had,” NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said at the beginning of the hearing. She added that while some have tried to minimize the wide-reaching effects of the crash because there were no deaths, “the absence of fatality or injury doesn’t mean the presence of safety.”"
Josh Funk, Tom Krisher and Patrick Orsagos report for the Associated Press June 25, 2024.
SEE ALSO:
"Railroads Ordered To Provide Hazardous Cargo Details Immediately After Derailment" (The Hill)
"Federal Transportation Board Says Rail Sensors Failed Ahead Of East Palestine Crash" (The Hill)
"Burn-Off Of Toxics In Ohio Derailment Was Unnecessary, NTSB Investigators Say" (Washington Post)
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