50-Car Hazmat Train Derailment Causes Big Fire, Evacuations In Ohio

"EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — A freight train derailment in Ohio near the Pennsylvania state line left a mangled and charred mass of boxcars and flames Saturday as authorities launched a federal investigation and monitored air quality from the various hazardous chemicals in the train.

About 50 cars derailed in East Palestine at about 9 p.m. EST Friday as a train was carrying a variety of products from Madison, Illinois, to Conway, Pennsylvania, rail operator Norfolk Southern said Saturday. There was no immediate information about what caused the derailment. No injuries or damage to structures were reported.

“The post-derailment fire spanned about the length of the derailed train cars,” Michael Graham, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board, told reporters Saturday evening. “The fire has since reduced in intensity, but remains active and the two main tracks are still blocked.”"

The Associated Press had the story February 4, 2023.

SEE ALSO:

"'Catastrophic' Blast Possible At Ohio Derailment Site, Officials Warn" (CBS News)

 

Source: AP, 02/06/2023