Residents near East Palestine, Ohio are facing a concerning situation after a train derailment on Monday. Workers at the scene have expressed need for urgent reform, citing the derailment as a sign that something needs to be done to protect the safety of the community.
The derailment caused several cars to spill hazardous materials, and residents have reported rashes, sore throats and nausea. In response, the state has set up a health clinic to help those affected by the accident.
The Ohio River, which supplies drinking water to the area, has been shut down due to the presence of a compound detected upstream. The Greater Cincinnati Water Works (GCWW) has kept their intake closed Sunday as a precautionary measure.
The derailment has also sparked a debate over the use of certain chemicals in the transportation of hazardous materials. One opinion piece in The New York Times calls for a ban on a deadly chemical that was present in the derailed train.
The full extent of the damage is still being assessed, and authorities are urging caution and vigilance in the area. For more information, view the full coverage on USNN.