DRJ Statement on Train Derailment in East Palestine, Ohio

The Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio last month initiated a complex and often ineffective response. From the beginning, a lack of communication and transparency from responding agencies has created additional stress for the affected communities and paved the way for the spread of widespread misinformation. The response to the train derailment has highlighted the need for a National Disaster Safety Board, which would allow for an independent review of the response. 

Disaster Researchers for Justice support the people of East Palestine and the affected areas. We join them in calling for full transparency from the EPA and responding agencies, appropriate widespread testing, reforms to railway safety, and for Norfolk Southern to provide the financial resources for those affected to recover.