Ohio sues Norfolk Southern over train derailment

OAN Geraldyn Berry
UPDATED 3:57 PM PT – Wednesday, March 15, 2023

In a press conference, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced that the state had filed a Norfolk Southern Railway – Complaint over last month’s toxic train derailment in East Palestine.

According to the 58-count federal complaint filed Tuesday, the railway operator was accused in violation of numerous federal, state and local environmental laws, as well as Ohio Common Law. “recklessly endangering” The health of the state’s natural resource and local residents.

In addition, the federal complaint sought to make the company pay for groundwater and soil monitoring in the future as well for economic losses in East Palestine and the surrounding areas.

“This derailment was entirely avoidable and I’m concerned that Norfolk Southern may be putting profits for their own company above the health and safety of the cities and communities that they operate in,” Yost spoke.

After the February 3rd, the 58-count complaint was filed_^rd Norfolk Southern’s freight train was involved in an accident that saw more than 50 cars get entrapped in a collision that resulted in dangerous chemicals being released into the atmosphere and waterways.

According to reports, a large ball of fire and a cloud filled with poisonous black smoke rose from the air after officials deliberately released and burned deadly vinyl chloride from five rail cars. This was in response to fears of an explosion.

Other allegations include illegal dumping of hazardous materials, improper discharge into state water, and failure to prepare a contingency strategy.

Yost said that the lawsuit seeks to remedy any economic or long-term health consequences that East Palestine residents might suffer as a consequence of the incident. On Monday, Yost stated that he met representatives from Norfolk Southern to discuss potential compensation. This included a fund to pay for any damages. “delayed” Health effects and a fund that will cover long-term damage to real estate prices.

“This lawsuit is designed to make sure that Norfolk Southern keeps their word to the people of East Palestine and the people of Ohio,” Yost spoke.                                                            

Norfolk Southern released a statement following the announcement of the lawsuit. “closely listening to community concerns about whether there could be long-term repercussions from the incident.”

“We look forward to working toward a final resolution with Attorney General Yost and others as we coordinate with his office, community leaders, and other stakeholders to finalize the details of these programs,” According to the statement.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency ordered Norfolk Southern to cover the cleanup of the train accident and chemical release.

This lawsuit is filed as Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw has apologized to Congress for the effects of the derailment on the area. However, he didn’t make any commitments to pay for economic damage or long-term health.

“We are firmly committed to the residents of East Palestine and the surrounding communities in Ohio and Pennsylvania,” Shaw stated. “Many of the people I’ve met are angry, scared and concerned about the future. I understand their skepticism that a big corporation such as Norfolk Southern will do the right thing, and we are determined to earn their trust.”

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