The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has criticised Norfolk Southern’s handling of a train derailment in Ohio, prompting recommendations to prevent future incidents. The NTSB faulted Norfolk Southern for its decision-making during the incident involving hazardous materials and incineration of toxic chemicals.
NTSB Criticizes Norfolk Southern for Handling of Ohio Train Derailment
East Palestine, Ohio, June 25, 2024 – The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued recommendations to prevent future train derailments following the February 2023 incident involving a Norfolk Southern freight train. The derailment, caused by an overheated wheel bearing, led to 38 railcars coming off the tracks, including 11 carrying hazardous materials.
The NTSB faulted Norfolk Southern for deciding to conduct a “vent and burn,” releasing and incinerating toxic chemicals, including vinyl chloride, which led to widespread evacuations and fears over long-term health effects. Investigators found that the company and its contractors had sufficient evidence to avoid the burn but failed to re-evaluate their initial conclusions.
Paul Stancil, an NTSB hazardous materials investigator, noted that Norfolk Southern disregarded evidence showing the tank cars were cooling, which could have prevented the decision to vent and burn. Jennifer Homendy, NTSB Chair, emphasized that safety should not be measured solely by the absence of fatalities or injuries but by the avoidance of unnecessary risks.
Norfolk Southern defended its actions, stating that the decision was based on concerns over potential explosions and pressure readings. However, the NTSB’s findings suggested that crucial information from the chemical manufacturer, OxyVinyls, was not adequately communicated to emergency responders.
The NTSB’s recommendations included developing federal standards for trackside detectors and protocols for chemical burns. This comes amid rising scrutiny over rail safety, highlighted by increased mainline derailments and wheel bearing issues recorded last year.
The derailment led to significant financial consequences for Norfolk Southern, including a $310 million settlement with the U.S. government for cleanup costs and a $600 million class-action lawsuit settlement with affected residents.
As Norfolk Southern aims to improve safety measures, the NTSB’s non-binding recommendations may prompt legislative action to enforce stricter rail safety regulations.
