Toxins have killed livestock and fish.
A Norfolk Southern Railroad train derailed outside of Palestine, Ohio, en route to Pennsylvania on February 3. According to authorities, the train carried highly toxic vinyl chloride, hydrogen chloride, and other hazardous materials. About 50 cars derailed due to a broken axle. The chemical fire which broke out has led to concerns of widespread impact. Authorities endeavored to control the blaze but said the burning chloride gases were in five of the derailed cars, which sent pathogens airborne.
Farmers in the region, including outside the evacuation zone, have reported livestock that has become severely ill or have died. Wildlife management groups in the region have reported fish in local bodies of water are dying.
A hazardous materials specialist said, “We basically nuked a town with chemicals so we could get a railroad open,” referring to the controlled burn. “There’s a lot of what ifs, and we’re going to be looking at this thing 5, 10, 15, 20 years down the line and wondering, ‘Gee, cancer clusters could pop up, you know, well water could go bad.’”
The Environmental Protection Agency has been conducting hundreds of tests on water and air quality, and they have confirmed the water and air to be in good living condition. Police from East Palestine have been going door to door to check water from local wells. And residents have filed a lawsuit against the rail company, calling for them to pay for medical screenings and related care for anyone who is suspected of having been affected by the toxic gases released after the derailment.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For the health and recovery of those who live and work in the region near the train derailment.
- For Administrator Regan and members of the Environmental Protection Agency as they oversee efforts to ensure the containment of pollutants.
- For the farmers and other agricultural producers who have lost livestock as a result of the burning chemicals.
Sources: News Nation, Epoch Times
