Norfolk Southern train derails in Ohio—again

A Norfolk Southern Corp. prepare derailed in Springfield, Ohio, a couple of month after an earlier crash within the state that shone a highlight on rail security. 

Round 20 vehicles of a 212-car prepare derailed whereas touring southbound close to Springfield Saturday night, the corporate stated in an emailed assertion. No hazardous supplies are concerned and there have been no reported accidents, it stated. 

Norfolk Southern is grappling with the fallout from the East Palestine, Ohio, crash that left residents apprehensive about contaminated air and water. Whereas prepare derailments occur pretty usually, the Feb. 3 incident drew particular scrutiny after hazardous chemical compounds had been spilled, forcing an evacuation of the group of about 4,700 folks as authorities deliberately vented and burned tank vehicles to forestall an explosion.

Clark County officers stated on Saturday they’re asking residents inside 1,000 toes to shelter in place “out of an abundance of warning,” however aren’t at the moment issuing evacuation orders. Greater than 1,500 residents are with out electrical energy due to downed energy traces, officers stated in a Fb submit. 

Norfolk Southern groups are en path to the location to start cleanup operations, in accordance with the corporate’s assertion. Federal Railroad Administration officers are additionally on the best way, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg stated on Twitter

The incident might amp up the strain already on Norfolk Southern. Senator Sherrod Brown, an Ohio Democrat, pointed to the 2 derailments and not less than two different incidents involving the corporate’s trains within the state in latest months, calling them “unacceptable” and accusing Norfolk Southern of placing revenue margins earlier than security.

“Ohio communities shouldn’t be compelled to reside in worry of one other catastrophe,” Brown, who is likely one of the sponsors of a brand new Senate invoice aimed toward tackling railway security, stated in a press release.

–With help from Ari Natter.

Learn to navigate and strengthen belief in your enterprise with The Belief Issue, a weekly publication inspecting what leaders have to succeed. Enroll right here.