(Washington) Residents of East Palestine, Ohio, where a train carrying chemicals derailed, should drink bottled water, local officials advised Wednesday, amid growing concern over the health consequences and environmental factors of the accident.
On February 3, this derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, caused a huge fire and the evacuation of several hundred people. Among other things, the train was carrying vinyl chloride, a carcinogenic and highly flammable chemical used in the manufacture of plastic.
The railway authorities then proceeded to “controlled” releases of vinyl chloride “to avoid a possible explosion” according to the office of the governor of Ohio, releasing toxic fumes into the air.
However, the air is “safe”, Governor Mike DeWine assured CNN on Wednesday, based on air quality tests.
But regarding water, “as a precaution, we told people ‘yes, use bottled water. Don’t take any chances, wait until we have the test results,” he said.
testing the waters
The day before, Ohio Department of Health Director Bruce Vanderhoff called on residents with private wells to test their water, also recommending that residents consider drinking bottled water for now.
On February 8, the authorities announced that the evacuated residents could return to their homes “in complete safety”.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY NTSB, VIA REUTERS
Aerial photo of the train coming off its tracks on February 6
However, questions are rising about the consequences of the derailment and residents have expressed their concern.
Some 3,500 fish died in particular, according to the local department of natural resources.
Norfolk will have to “pay”
The US agency responsible for investigating transportation accidents said that its investigation into the causes of the derailment was continuing.
Governor DeWine promised to “hold the Norfolk Southern Railroad to account”.
She “should pay for everything,” he said. “They are responsible for what happened.”