What Happened When the Train Derailed in Ohio?
A train carrying vinyl chloride derailed and exploded near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. Five days later, crews ignited a controlled burn of toxic chemicals to prevent a much more dangerous explosion. However, the controlled burn released phosgene and hydrogen chloride across the region. Phosgene is a highly toxic gas that can cause vomiting and breathing trouble and was used as a weapon in the first world war. Now local residents are being exposed to it.
Why Is So Much Hazardous Material Being Transported by Railway?
In 2020, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DoT) approved liquified natural gas, or LNG, to be shipped via rail with no additional safety regulations. Trains can now run 100 or more tank cars filled with 30,000 gallons of the substance, largely from shale fields to saltwater ports.
The decision, however, was opposed by local leaders, unions, fire departments, and the NTSB. Railway insiders have reported that the strongly opposed transport of these dangerous materials persists due in part to corporate greed and negligence by political leaders.
Are There Any Lawsuits About the Train Accident and the Controlled Burn?
Some residents have filed a federal lawsuit regarding the fiery derailment of the train carrying toxic chemicals along the Ohio-Pennsylvania line and are seeking to force Norfolk Southern to set up health monitoring for residents in both states.
The lawsuit calls for the rail operator to pay for medical screenings and related care for anyone living within a 30-mile, or 48-kilometer, radius of the derailment to determine who was affected by toxic substances released after the derailment.
The lawsuit also is seeking undetermined damages and claims Norfolk Southern’s negligence caused the derailment and controlled burn, and the corporation is liable for the injuries and damages suffered by those in the radius.
What Should I Do if I Was Impacted by the Accident?
It is always recommended that you first seek medical treatment for a full screening of your health. Communicate with your doctor if you were hurt or are experiencing any symptoms due to the inhalation of released toxins into the air. If a medical professional expresses concern, follow their advice for further treatment and contact a lawyer.
What Are the Symptoms Caused by Exposure to the Fumes of the Ohio Train Fire?
Vinyl chloride is linked to an increased risk of numerous cancers. The initial explosion and the subsequent controlled burning of the remaining chemicals also released phosgene and hydrogen chloride into the atmosphere.
People exposed to phosgene and hydrogen chloride can experience a variety of symptoms, including vomiting, headaches, respiratory issues, coughing, burning of the throat and/or eyes, blurred vision, nausea, coughing, and watery eyes.
Is It Safe to Stay in the Area?
More than 400 residents have requested indoor air monitoring in their homes. So far, the EPA reported to have found no indoor detection of chemicals of concern. It also continues to monitor air quality in the community and says it has not detected any problems that could be attributed to the derailment.
However, the EPA said it did find some of the chemicals in nearby creeks and streams. State regulators confirm that fish have been killed, but they confirmed that the area's drinking water is supplied by groundwater, so it would take longer for these chemicals to move underground if that were to happen.
Norfolk Southern released a remediation plan which lists a number of ways it plans to continue to monitor and clean up the site, including installing wells to monitor the groundwater. The site of the accident is also near the Ohio River, which is a major drinking water source, and at least one company that's supplied by the river says it's looking at an alternative water source in case that's needed.
I Live Near the Site of the Train Wreck. Do I Have a Case?
If your life has been impacted by the Ohio train accident, contact Morgan & Morgan immediately to learn more about your legal options. We are here to help at no upfront cost. Contact us now for a free, no-obligation case evaluation.