Where Is the Train Wreck in Ohio?

If you recently heard about the train accident in Ohio, you might wonder, “Where is the train wreck in Ohio?” The catastrophic derailment of a Norfolk Southern train occurred in East Palestine, eastern Ohio, in early February 2023. East Palestine is a village in northeastern Columbiana County, close to Ohio’s border with Pennsylvania.

The release of toxic chemicals into the air following the accident has had a devastating effect on the local community and left residents with various health complaints and worries about their future. Moreover, the potential long-term health and environmental impacts are unknown and could be considerable.

As a result of the disaster, Morgan and Morgan stepped in with an Ohio train lawsuit to help residents of East Palestine recover compensation for Norfolk Southern’s negligent and reckless conduct. If you are impacted by the train wreck in Ohio, we have your back.

Contact us now for a free case review to determine whether you qualify for compensation.

What Happened When the Train Derailed in Ohio? 

The East Palestine train derailment sent about 50 train cars off the tracks and sparked a large fire and an evacuation. The incident occurred in an area located approximately 50 miles from the city of Pittsburgh. As a result of the controlled burn and release of chemicals where the train wreck is in Ohio, the town of East Palestine and its surroundings were engulfed in toxic smoke for days. The incident prompted the evacuation of the village.

Immediately after the disaster, residents reported sore throats, headaches, and respiratory issues. While many remain concerned for their health and safety to this day, environmental regulators state that air quality remains safe and drinking water supplies are unaffected. The incident also raised broader concerns about transporting hazardous materials by rail and the importance of proper safety measures for ensuring the health and safety of communities near transportation routes.

Causes of the Ohio Train Accident

The exact causes of the East Palestine train derailment remain under investigation. However, a preliminary report published by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) states that a surveillance video from near where the train wreck is in Ohio showed a wheel bearing overheating and failing just before the accident. The NTSB stated that future investigations would also include the following:

• Tank car design and derailment damage
• A review of the venting and burning of vinyl chloride after the accident
• Maintenance procedures
• Norfolk Southern’s use of wayside defect detectors
• Norfolk Southern’s railcar inspection practices.

The NTSB report stopped short of blaming the accident on Norfolk Southern’s maintenance, inspection, and safety practices.

Is There a Morgan & Morgan Ohio Train Lawsuit?

Residents have now begun filing lawsuits against Norfolk Southern, the rail operator, demanding damages and health monitoring for those affected in Ohio and Pennsylvania. Morgan & Morgan is taking a front role in helping affected residents file lawsuits and seek damages such as medical screenings, healthcare, and others.

The lawsuits allege that Norfolk Southern put profits before safety. Instead of properly cleaning up the spill, the company allegedly chose a cheaper but less safe way of mitigating the damage by releasing more toxic chemicals into the air. Attorneys at Morgan & Morgan say that the focus of Norfolk Southern on restoring the train service and protecting their shareholders could cause permanent health problems for residents, who may develop deadly cancers years or even decades after the toxin exposure.  

If you are wondering where the train wreck is in Ohio and whether you or your family are affected by the disaster, Morgan & Morgan can clarify your rights and options.

How the East Palestine Derailment Affects Residents and the Environment

Although authorities initially claimed that the air and drinking water remained safe, residents almost immediately reported feeling sick due to the toxic chemicals released into the air, raising significant health concerns for those in the immediate area where the train wreck is located in Ohio.

Toxic Chemicals Released During the Accident

According to the Washington Post, hazardous chemicals released as a result of the derailment and controlled burn included:

• Vinyl chloride, a carcinogen (cancer-causing)
• Butyl acetate, a highly flammable irritant
• Ethyl hexyl acrylate, a carcinogen
• Ethylene glycol monobutyl, an irritant to the eyes, nose, and throat

While all the released chemicals can be detrimental to human health in the short and long-term, vinyl chloride, the primary substance spilled in the accident, is particularly harmful as it releases hydrogen chloride and phosgene when burned. The impact of hydrogen chloride and phosgene on human health, even at lower concentrations, can include irritation and damage to the skin, nose, throat, eyes, nose, and lungs. In the long term, exposure to the substances could lead to organ damage and cancers of the brain, blood, liver, and others.

The Environmental Impacts of the Chemical Spill

The incident also had significant environmental impacts, causing damage to the soil and watercourses in the area where the train wreck is in Ohio. Contaminated waste from the site has been sent to hazardous waste storage under orders from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Moreover, the state of Ohio has now filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern to ensure the company covers cleanup costs and future soil and groundwater monitoring.

All in all, the East Palestine train derailment had devastating impacts on human health and the environment in the surrounding area. While the long-term health impacts of the chemical spill are still unclear, affected residents and the surrounding community will continue to face the aftermath of the accident.

Damages Residents Could Recover With the Ohio Train Wreck Lawsuit

You should not have to pay for a railroad operator’s recklessness. If you or a loved one is affected, you could file a lawsuit and recover damages, including the following:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost income
• Evacuation expenses
• Pain and anguish
• Emotional distress

Morgan & Morgan wants to help when negligent railroad operators transporting dangerous cargo put your health at risk. Our experienced railroad accident attorneys can fight tirelessly for maximum compensation on your behalf.