● A train derailment threatens to escalate with a chance of explosions ● Nearby residents have been asked to evacuate the area ● Local waterways are being monitored for potential pollution
Dark smoke rises from a derailed cargo train - Feb. 4, East Palestine, Ohio. (Dustin Franz/AFP via Getty Images)
A train that derailed near East Palestine in NorthEast Ohio has the potential to explode or release poisonous gasses. As a result, several nearby residents have been asked to evacuate the area.
The Governor (Mike DeWine) issued an evacuation order late this weekend. The order covers those residents within one mile of the accident site. According to the Governor, many residents had already left the area before the evacuation notice was published. However, up to 500 local residents had refused to leave. Those families with children who refuse the evacuation order could be arrested.
The threat of explosion escalated on Sunday night after one of the train cars that had derailed experienced a significant temperature change. A major tanker failure could cause an explosion and send materials up to one mile away.
Concerns have also been raised about hazardous materials like vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate and other combustible liquids contained in some of the other cars. The air and the water quality in the nearby stream is being monitored by the Columbiana County Emergency Management Agency. As of Sunday afternoon, residents were told by officials that the air and drinking water were safe.
The East Palestine City School District was closed on Monday as were several local roads in the area. In total, around 50 train cars left the rails on Friday at about 9pm local time. The train was heading eastbound from Madison, Ill, to Conway, Pa.
The derailment led to a fire that lasted all day and created a strong odor in the surrounding area according to local radio reports. Ten of the derailed cars contained hazardous materials, half of which include vinyl chloride, according to the National Transportation Safety Board.
In a Sunday press conference, the agency said that the investigations are ongoing but the initial findings suggest a mechanical issue with one of the railcar axles. The agency also confirmed that the three crew members on the train were able to evacuate with no injuries reported.
Black smoke rises over East Palestine, Ohio, from the controlled detonation of a portion of the derailed Norfolk and Southern trains on Monday. (Gene J. Puskar/AP)
A dangerous situation. Railroads carry many hazardous materials and a derailment can put first responders and citizens at great risk. A few years back In Canada and the tragedy in Kingman Arizona to name two. Sword associated with these situations is BLEVE. An awesome event that can easily occur in situations like this one.
