Was the train on fire before it derailed?

Wheels sparking, on fire 20 miles before Ohio train derailment, security footage shows. EAST PALESTINE — Newly released security footage showed one of the train cars sparking in the wheel, bearing, and axil area about 20 miles before the Norfolk Southern train derailed in northeast Ohio.



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It was revealed Thursday that Norfolk Southern's train twice needed repairs by mechanical personnel the day before the derailment in East Palestine, according to investigators, who say fire from the train was seen on camera as far as roughly 26 miles from the derailment site.

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3 derailment in East Palestine of a Norfolk Southern train carrying toxic chemicals set off an emergency response as residents worried about long-term health effects. On Feb. 3, a Norfolk Southern train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, igniting a fire and setting off fears of an explosion.

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On Feb. 6, officials authorized a “controlled release” and burn-off of hazardous chemicals from derailed train cars to avoid what they said could be a potential catastrophic explosion. Sign up for the Climate Coach newsletter and get advice for life on our changing planet, in your inbox every Tuesday and Thursday.

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The initial fire started February 3 when a Norfolk Southern rail car carrying plastic pellets was heated by a hot axle, said Jennifer Homendy, chair of the National Transportation Safety Board.

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The Norfolk Southern train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, and chemicals were vented and burned.

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Indiana residents along the Ohio River worry toxic chemicals from the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, could pollute their drinking water. But water quality experts say the amount in the river has been low and is getting lower as it flows down the Ohio.

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The 38 derailed train cars were carrying substances including vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate and isobutylene — all materials that are widely considered to be toxic and that could have damaging effects to both humans and the environment.

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Many of them were volunteers without hazmat training or specialized equipment. Officials investigating the derailment testified that these first responders weren't able to access information about the chemicals that were in 11 overturned cars carrying hazardous materials.

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On Friday, February 3, 2023, at approximately 9:30 p.m., a Norfolk Southern train had 53 cars derail in East Palestine, Ohio. The site of the derailment is less than one mile from the Pennsylvania border.

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No injuries or deaths were reported. Residents within a one-mile radius of the derailment were evacuated as officials noted that over a dozen cars carrying vinyl chloride, a carcinogenic chemical, were involved in the derailment and could have been exposed to the fire.

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