Ohio Gov. DeWine sustains injury during visit to East Palestine

The governor's visit also included a notable instance in which the governor personally drank some of the local water to reassure residents that it was safe to resume life in the town.

By Ben Whedon

Published: February 27, 2023 6:46pm

Updated: February 27, 2023 7:20pm

Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine sustained an injury on his leg while visiting East Palestine, the beleaguered town that has struggled in the wake of a major train derailment that saw toxic chemicals leak from the railcars.

While visiting the first Church of Christ last week, DeWine suffered a displaced distal fibula fracture, according to the Epoch Times. "My foot caught on something," he told the Columbus Dispatch. "I'm fine. [I'm] just not walking my dog as much."

The governor's visit also included a notable instance in which he personally drank some of the local water to reassure residents that it was safe to resume life in the town.

After authorities authorized the controlled release of the toxic materials from the railcars to prevent an explosion, and later a controlled burn of those chemicals, concerns abounded that the material would adversely affect the town's livability.

Ohio Republican Sen. J.D. Vance filmed a viral video outside the town during which he disrupted local creek water with a stick and highlighted the substantial discoloration that resulted in a bid to generate support for the town.

DeWine handily won reelection in November of last year, defeating Democrat Nan Whaley by 25 points.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.