Biden Visits Site of East Palestine Train Derailment
A year after a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, President Joe Biden paid a visit to the area affected by the disaster. He used the opportunity to call out those he deemed responsible for the incident.
If you suffered harm from the Norfolk Southern train derailment, you may have options for financial recovery. Contact our personal injury attorneys to learn more.
Biden Visits East Palestine, Ohio, Train Derailment Site
Biden’s train derailment visit occurred on February 16, 2024, a little over a year after the Norfolk Southern train incident.
During his visit, Biden said that Norfolk Southern failed in its responsibility to keep people safe.
“Multibillion-dollar railroad companies transporting toxic chemicals have a responsibility to do it safely,” Biden said. Calling it an “act of cruelty that was 100% preventable,” Biden blamed greed for the derailment.
“While there are acts of God, this was an act of greed,” Biden said. He pledged his commitment to help the people of East Palestine recover and hold Norfolk Southern accountable.
What Exactly Happened in East Palestine, Ohio?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed on February 3, 2023, in East Palestine, Ohio. The accident affected 50 train cars, 20 of which carried hazardous chemicals. These materials included ethylhexyl acrylate, butyl acrylate, isobutylene, and vinyl chloride, which the EPA says causes cancer in humans.
Train crews made the controversial decision to vent and burn hazardous materials from five derailed cars that were in danger of exploding. The burning created a plume of smoke that was visible from space. The derailment caused more than a million pounds of toxins to enter the town’s water, air, and soil, according to CNN.
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued an evacuation notice for those near the accident site due to concerns about contaminated soil and air quality. Some moved away and never returned. Others reported health concerns like sore throats, headaches, nausea, and rashes.
What is the Status of Ohio East Palestine Train Derailment Lawsuits?
The Ohio derailment has resulted in legal action. In November 2023, Edwin Wang filed a $500 million lawsuit against Norfolk Southern. He says that the derailment forced him to shut down the businesses he was operating, which were located near the accident site.
Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost also took legal action: he filed a 58-count federal lawsuit against Norfolk Southern last year, and he says he is awaiting results from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation into the derailment.
Norfolk Southern insists it is committed to making things right in East Palestine. It has distributed $21 million to affected residents.
If You Suffered Harm When The Norfolk Southern Train Derailed, Contact Our Ohio Injury Lawyers
Did the Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio affect you? Contact our East Palestine train derailment lawyers to learn more about your legal rights. We offer free consultations to help you determine if you qualify to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering related to the accident. The road to recovery begins when you take the first step.
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