A massive train derailment in Ohio last Saturday caused a major headache for local authorities and residents alike. The incident occurred in Clark County, with more than 20 train cars from a 212-car Norfolk Southern train derailing. According to WDTN-TV, none of the derailed cars contained hazardous materials. However, officials still warned nearby residents to stay indoors as they dealt with the situation.
“Multiple reports of power outages following a Norfolk Southern train derailment in Springfield, Ohio with officials urging residence to shelter in place, and to avoid the area due to unknown materials, and possibly chemicals,” tweeted RAWSALERTS.
Clark County officials issued a shelter-in-place advisory for residents living within 1,000 feet of the derailment. Fortunately, the advisory was lifted by Sunday morning.
A news conference was held by Clark County officials where they disclosed what was in the derailed cars. WHIO-TV reported that four tankers carrying non-hazardous materials were involved. Two of the tankers were carrying residual amounts of diesel exhaust fluid, while the other two had residual amounts of polyacrylamide water solution.
The derailment prompted Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to tweet about the incident. The Republican governor acknowledged the incident and wrote that he’d already received calls from President Joe Biden and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. “We don’t believe hazardous materials were involved,” DeWine wrote in his tweet. “OhioEPA, Ohio_EMA, and OSHP are on the scene supporting first responders. President Biden and Secretary Buttigieg called me to offer help from the federal government.”
Norfolk Southern sent cleanup crews to the scene, while hazmat personnel also responded. However, this isn’t the first time Norfolk Southern has had to deal with a train derailment recently. On February 16, a 30-car derailment took place in Van Buren Township, Michigan. Fortunately, that incident did not involve hazardous materials.
Despite the non-hazardous materials involved in the derailment, Norfolk Southern’s reputation for a safe operation has been called into question. Some have criticized the company for not doing enough to prevent derailments and other accidents.
Overall, the incident serves as a reminder of the dangers that come with transporting hazardous materials by rail. It’s crucial that all rail operators take appropriate measures to ensure the safe transport of these materials.
Sources: WesternJournal, WDTN-TV, WHIO-TV