Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, were faced with a devastating train derailment that occurred on February 15th, spilling toxic chemicals into the area. On Wednesday night, CNN hosted a town hall to discuss the disaster and its aftermath.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would fine Norfolk Southern, the train’s operator, up to $70,000 a day if it fails to clean up and pay for the damage caused by the derailment.

Dr. Gregory Harshfield, a local doctor near East Palestine, Ohio, noted that the main concern now is the potential long-term health effects of the toxic chemicals that were spilled. He urged residents to stay away from the affected area until further notice.

In addition, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine released an update on the water sampling and soil removal efforts in East Palestine. He also noted that the rail journey from New Jersey to Ohio that was carrying the toxic chemicals will no longer be making the trip.

The EPA, local doctors, and state officials are all working together to ensure that the residents of East Palestine are protected from the toxic train disaster.

For more coverage of the toxic train disaster in East Palestine, Ohio, visit USNN.