NTSB releases final report on East Palestine toxic train derailment

Federal investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) on Tuesday released their final report on the February 2023 toxic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.

A Norfolk Southern train transporting the toxic chemical of vinyl chloride was derailed unexpectedly last year, causing a major environmental disaster that impacted thousands of residents in the surrounding area, and millions have been impacted by pollution from the disaster in 16 states, experts predicted per ABC News.

An investigation into the incident revealed that the derailment was caused by a hot railcar wheel bearing sparking a fire, NTSB officials said in the report, the outlet reported. The derailment forced 38 train cars off the tracks, 11 of which were carrying hazardous material. 

"Post-accident inspections revealed that about 25% of the cars had federal defective conditions," NTSB investigator Ruben Payan said during a final hearing on the matter, while giving a summary of the report.

Investigators also claimed that combination of missteps, faulty track sensors, and delayed communications about the train's toxic materials contributed to the major disaster.  

One misstep that was later deemed unnecessary was the burning of the toxic chemicals, according to the federal agency. But officials on the scene had determined that a "controlled release" of the toxic chemicals from the cars was necessary to avert an explosion. 

The type of car that caused the disaster is also being phased out, according to the Washington Post. 

“The events that eventually led to the vent-and-burn could’ve been avoided had there been no DOT-111 tank cars carrying combustible and flammable liquids on this train,” NTSB investigator Paul Stancil said.

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy apologized to the public during the hearing, claiming that outsiders had tried to downplay the severity of the disaster because there were no deaths or serious injuries. However, residents of East Palestine have reported headaches, coughs, and skin irritation.

"The absence of a fatality or injury does not mean the presence of safety," Homendy said.

Misty Severi is an evening news reporter for Just the News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.