On Feb. 3, #EastPalestine abruptly changed when a #NorfolkSouthern train carrying 151 cars derailed.
Here is a timeline of the train derailment and the aftermath: theepochtimes.com/timeline-of-oh…
Here is a timeline of the train derailment and the aftermath: theepochtimes.com/timeline-of-oh…
Feb. 3
Around 9 p.m., a Norfolk Southern train carrying 151 cars derailed in East Palestine.
Fifty cars derailed, the @NTSB reported. The crash sparked a fire, and 11 of the cars contained hazardous chemicals, which soared into the air and onto the ground.
Around 9 p.m., a Norfolk Southern train carrying 151 cars derailed in East Palestine.
Fifty cars derailed, the @NTSB reported. The crash sparked a fire, and 11 of the cars contained hazardous chemicals, which soared into the air and onto the ground.
Feb. 4
#EastPalestine Mayor Trent Conaway declared a state of emergency.
Residents in East Palestine and surrounding communities were asked to leave the area.
#EastPalestine Mayor Trent Conaway declared a state of emergency.
Residents in East Palestine and surrounding communities were asked to leave the area.
The @EPA said that contaminated runoff from the derailment was discovered in Sulphur Run and Leslie Run, 2 local creeks.
#NorfolkSouthern contractors installed booms and underflow dams to restrict the flow of contaminated water.
#NorfolkSouthern contractors installed booms and underflow dams to restrict the flow of contaminated water.
Feb. 5
Ohio Gov. @MikeDeWine said he was notified on Feb. 5 that one car carrying vinyl chloride was at risk of exploding.
Officials were faced with “two bad options”: allowing the car to explode, or vent and burn the chemical.
Ohio Gov. @MikeDeWine said he was notified on Feb. 5 that one car carrying vinyl chloride was at risk of exploding.
Officials were faced with “two bad options”: allowing the car to explode, or vent and burn the chemical.
Gov. @MikeDeWine issued an “urgent evacuation notice” to anyone who had not yet evacuated within a mile of the train derailment.
“You need to leave. You just need to leave,” DeWine said. “This is a matter of life and death.”
“You need to leave. You just need to leave,” DeWine said. “This is a matter of life and death.”
Feb. 6
In order to avoid an explosion, #Norfol Southern and state and local officials decided to release and burn vinyl chloride from 5 rail cars.
Gov. @MikeDeWine said #Ohio and #Pennsylvania authorities communicated with Norfolk Southern and decided to prevent the explosion.
In order to avoid an explosion, #Norfol Southern and state and local officials decided to release and burn vinyl chloride from 5 rail cars.
Gov. @MikeDeWine said #Ohio and #Pennsylvania authorities communicated with Norfolk Southern and decided to prevent the explosion.
#EastPalestine residents who remained within a 1-mile-by-2-mile area surrounding the village were ordered to leave.
#NorfolkSouthern conducted the release and burn of vinyl chloride, sending flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky once more.
#NorfolkSouthern conducted the release and burn of vinyl chloride, sending flames and thick black smoke billowing into the sky once more.
#VinylChloride is a chemical used to make PVC pipes and other products.
The National Cancer Institute (@theNCI) notes that vinyl chloride has been linked to cancers of the brain, lungs, blood, lymphatic system, and liver.
The National Cancer Institute (@theNCI) notes that vinyl chloride has been linked to cancers of the brain, lungs, blood, lymphatic system, and liver.
Feb. 7
One day after the release and burn, #NorfolkSouthern reported that both railroad mainlines were restored to service.
Gov. @MikeDeWine said that it was uncertain when residents would be allowed to return to their homes.
One day after the release and burn, #NorfolkSouthern reported that both railroad mainlines were restored to service.
Gov. @MikeDeWine said that it was uncertain when residents would be allowed to return to their homes.
Feb. 8
During a press conference at #EastPalestine High School, Ohio Gov. @MikeDeWine was joined by Pennsylvania Gov. @JoshShapiroPA, East Palestine Fire Chief Keith Drabick, and other officials from Ohio and Pennsylvania.
DeWine announced that the evacuation order was lifted.
During a press conference at #EastPalestine High School, Ohio Gov. @MikeDeWine was joined by Pennsylvania Gov. @JoshShapiroPA, East Palestine Fire Chief Keith Drabick, and other officials from Ohio and Pennsylvania.
DeWine announced that the evacuation order was lifted.
“The safety of the residents affected by the train derailment in East Palestine has been our No. 1 priority throughout,” Drabick said.
While the press conference was taking place, @NewsNation correspondent @EvanLambertTV was arrested. theepochtimes.com/newsnation-rep…
While the press conference was taking place, @NewsNation correspondent @EvanLambertTV was arrested. theepochtimes.com/newsnation-rep…
Feb. 10
@EPA sent a notice of potential liability letter to #NorfolkSouthern, detailing areas the company may be liable for damages and cleanup related to the derailment.
It described chemicals found at the derailment site following the release and burn of vinyl chloride.
@EPA sent a notice of potential liability letter to #NorfolkSouthern, detailing areas the company may be liable for damages and cleanup related to the derailment.
It described chemicals found at the derailment site following the release and burn of vinyl chloride.
Some of the derailed rail cars carried vinyl chloride, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, isobutylene, and butyl acrylate—all hazardous chemicals—the letter said.
“Multiple rail cars and tankers were observed derailed, breached, and/or on fire,” it noted.
“Multiple rail cars and tankers were observed derailed, breached, and/or on fire,” it noted.
Feb. 13
#NorfolkSouthern submitted its remedial action plan to the @EPA, explaining its response to the derailment so far and recommending additional actions.
The plan explained that pooled liquids were collected into a vacuum truck and prepared for disposal.
#NorfolkSouthern submitted its remedial action plan to the @EPA, explaining its response to the derailment so far and recommending additional actions.
The plan explained that pooled liquids were collected into a vacuum truck and prepared for disposal.
Surface water flow was rerouted from the derailment site and underflow dams were put in place.
Air quality monitoring was underway. Well water sampling was taking place. Soil and surface water sampling was planned.
Air quality monitoring was underway. Well water sampling was taking place. Soil and surface water sampling was planned.
Shallow soil will be removed “to reduce direct contact risk,” and soil sampling was scheduled to happen in “the next several days.”
The railroad was to install groundwater monitoring wells to “evaluate the nature and extent of groundwater impacts associated with the derailment.”
The railroad was to install groundwater monitoring wells to “evaluate the nature and extent of groundwater impacts associated with the derailment.”
Feb. 14
Gov. @MkeDeWine held another press briefing and reported that #NorfolkSouthern has agreed to pay for the cost of cleanup and damages in #EastPalestine, and workers from the railroad will remain in the village until the situation is resolved.
Gov. @MkeDeWine held another press briefing and reported that #NorfolkSouthern has agreed to pay for the cost of cleanup and damages in #EastPalestine, and workers from the railroad will remain in the village until the situation is resolved.
Gov. @JoshShapiroPA wrote an open letter to #NorfolkSouthern CEO Alan Shaw announcing that Norfolk Southern’s conduct is under investigation by the #Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
Shapiro’s letter also noted that #NorfolkSouthern didn’t “immediately inform authorities as to the number of rail cars that contained dangerous chemicals” and that company officials didn’t “explore or articulate alternative courses of action to their proposed vent and burn.”
The @NTSB reported that investigators identified the exact car that initiated the crash.
Video shows “what appears to be a wheel bearing in the final stage of overheat failure moments before the derailment,” the NTSB said.
Video shows “what appears to be a wheel bearing in the final stage of overheat failure moments before the derailment,” the NTSB said.
Feb. 15
The Attorney General @DaveYostOH’s office dropped all charges against @EvanLambertTV.
Gov. @MikeDeWine issued a statement saying that, according to the Ohio EPA, #EastPalestine residents could safely drink their municipal water.
The Attorney General @DaveYostOH’s office dropped all charges against @EvanLambertTV.
Gov. @MikeDeWine issued a statement saying that, according to the Ohio EPA, #EastPalestine residents could safely drink their municipal water.
Feb. 16
Residents of #EastPalestine and surrounding communities packed into the high school gymnasium for a town hall meeting.
#NorfolkSouthern officials originally planned to appear at the town hall, but the company ultimately did not attend.
Residents of #EastPalestine and surrounding communities packed into the high school gymnasium for a town hall meeting.
#NorfolkSouthern officials originally planned to appear at the town hall, but the company ultimately did not attend.
#NorfolkSouthern CEO Shaw sent an open letter to #EastPalestine residents on Feb. 16 pledging that the railroad would not abandon the community.
Norfolk Southern also debuted NSMakingItRight.com.
Norfolk Southern also debuted NSMakingItRight.com.
On Feb. 16, a #NorfolkSouthern train derailed in #Michigan. None of the damaged cars contained hazardous materials, and no injuries were reported.
Also on Feb. 16, @FEMA said it would not declare an emergency in #EastPalestine—at least for now.
Almost 2 weeks after the derailment, Gov. @MikeDeWine requested federal assistance for residents dealing with the aftermath.
Almost 2 weeks after the derailment, Gov. @MikeDeWine requested federal assistance for residents dealing with the aftermath.
Feb. 17
@SenatorCantwell announced an investigation by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation into railroad companies’ management of hazardous materials.
@SenatorCantwell announced an investigation by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation into railroad companies’ management of hazardous materials.
In a press briefing, Gov. @MikeDeWine said that he would ensure that #NorfolkSouthern covers all costs for the derailment’s damage, including any future expenses if it’s determined that the toxic chemicals spilled and released cause cancer and other ailments.
Feb. 18
Sens. @SherrodBrown and @JDVance1 sent a letter to state and federal @EPA officials urging them to test for dioxins, which are pollutants that are created when chemicals burn.
Sens. @SherrodBrown and @JDVance1 sent a letter to state and federal @EPA officials urging them to test for dioxins, which are pollutants that are created when chemicals burn.
Feb. 20
#NorfolkSouthern announced that about 15,000 pounds of contaminated soil and 1.1 million gallons of contaminated water have been removed from the derailment site.
#NorfolkSouthern announced that about 15,000 pounds of contaminated soil and 1.1 million gallons of contaminated water have been removed from the derailment site.
Feb. 21
#NorfolkSouthern’s CEO said that if his family had a house in #EastPalestine, he would return home.
“Yes, yes. I’ve come back multiple times and I’ve drank the water here. I’ve interacted with the families here.”
#NorfolkSouthern’s CEO said that if his family had a house in #EastPalestine, he would return home.
“Yes, yes. I’ve come back multiple times and I’ve drank the water here. I’ve interacted with the families here.”
Feb. 22
Former President Donald Trump visited #EastPalestine.
While President Biden was returning to the US from his trip to #Poland and #Ukraine, Trump handed out bottled water, cleaning supplies, and words of encouragement.
Former President Donald Trump visited #EastPalestine.
While President Biden was returning to the US from his trip to #Poland and #Ukraine, Trump handed out bottled water, cleaning supplies, and words of encouragement.
The former president called the crash a “tragedy,” told residents that they are “not forgotten,” applauded the community as the “tough and resilient heart of America.”
He also criticized the Biden administration’s response.
He also criticized the Biden administration’s response.
Feb. 23
Secretary of Transportation @PeteButtigieg made his first visit to #EastPalestine.
Noting that @NTSB released its preliminary findings on the derailment earlier that morning, Buttigieg said that ensuring accountability would be a top priority for the administration.
Secretary of Transportation @PeteButtigieg made his first visit to #EastPalestine.
Noting that @NTSB released its preliminary findings on the derailment earlier that morning, Buttigieg said that ensuring accountability would be a top priority for the administration.
During his visit, @PeteButtigieg acknowledged that he could have addressed the disaster sooner.
“The answer to your question is yes,” he told a reporter who had asked if he took too long to respond.
“The answer to your question is yes,” he told a reporter who had asked if he took too long to respond.
Feb. 24
Environmental activist @ErinBrockovich spoke to over 2,000 people at #EastPalestine High School.
She said she was “here with a message you don’t want to hear but maybe you know.”
“This is not going to be a quick fix. This is going to be a long game,” she added.
Environmental activist @ErinBrockovich spoke to over 2,000 people at #EastPalestine High School.
She said she was “here with a message you don’t want to hear but maybe you know.”
“This is not going to be a quick fix. This is going to be a long game,” she added.
On Feb. 24, President Biden was asked by reporters if he had plans to visit #EastPalestine. “This time, I’m not,” he responded.
On Feb. 24, the @EPA ordered a temporary pause on shipments of contaminated waste from the derailment site.
/END/
On Feb. 24, the @EPA ordered a temporary pause on shipments of contaminated waste from the derailment site.
/END/
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