On February 4th, a train is going along fifty wagons with toxic substances between Ohio and Pennsylvania derailed, releasing toxins into the air and starting a fire. To prevent a large explosion, local authorities used vinyl chloride, another harmful substance, to neutralize the burning cargo in the wagons.
The Norfolk Southern Railway Company, responsible for the composition, warned that the operation could release gases that could be fatal if inhaled.
Vinyl chloride is a colorless gas used in plastic products and packaging. When burned, it releases phosgene, which was used as a chemical weapon in World War I.
Despite attempts to mitigate the damage, the situation became critical. A state of emergency has been declared in the affected region, known as “Eastern Palestine”. The area was cordoned off and residents evacuated.
People who lived in a village 80 kilometers northwest of Pittsburgh had to leave the region. At least 2,000 of the 4,700 inhabitants had to find a place to stay. The evictions affected regions in Ohio and Pennsylvania.
Ashok Kumar, a professor of environmental engineering at the University of Toledo, told ABC News that “inhalation of vinyl chloride fumes can cause dizziness, nausea, headaches and difficulty breathing.”
This week, residents are already being allowed to return to their homes but are unsure if the possibility exists as recent events have raised suspicions that the case is much more serious.
theories about the catastrophe
On the Internet, the accident in Ohio is described as one of the greatest environmental disasters in recent times.
American citizens, including public figures, have accused authorities of forcing recent instances of UFO launches over American territory to divert focus from events in the area of the accident.
Ohio: Dead fish and cattle have been reported up to 100 miles from the site.
Journalists covering the story were arrested.
What the hell is going on? pic.twitter.com/IWfLutoaRo
— Stew Peters (@realstewpeters) February 12, 2023
“Ohio: Dead fish and cattle are reported from up to 100 miles away. Journalists covering the story were arrested. What the hell is going on?” asks the American journalist Stew Peters.
Red Pill Warning: While you look at “UFOs” and balloons, Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Sy Hersh has accused Joe Biden and the CIA of EXPRESSLY sabotaging the Nord Stream pipeline in detail.
And a 50car train derailment in E Palestine, Ohio that the EPA “controlled”… https://t.co/Qba7MqG7WA pic.twitter.com/IRBNwStUaN
— CannCon (@CannConActual) February 14, 2023
“If you look at UFOs and balloons, Pulitzer Prizewinning journalist Sy Hersh accused Joe Biden and the CIA of sabotaging the Nord Stream pipeline in EXPRESS detail. (…) But let’s look at shiny balloons!” teased another user in a post on Twitter.
also see
Strong smell and death of animals
A Twitter user defined the case as “Chernobyl 2” when he shared information provided by residents of the region who claim cattle and fish are dying 160 kilometers from the tragedy’s epicenter.
A train carrying 100,000 liters of carcinogenic vinyl chloride derailed #EastPalestine (Ohio) what a Chernobyl2 is.
Dead fish and cattle are reported 100 miles from the site.
There is silence in the media and the journalists who inform are arrested, but we have UFOs pic.twitter.com/5hwQCDjC72— Ibon Perez (@ibonpereztv) February 13, 2023
“A train carrying 100,000 liters of the cancercausing VINYL CHLORIDE derailed in #EastPalestine, Ohio, becoming a kind of Chernobyl 2. Dead fish and cattle are reported within a 100mile radius of the site. There is silence from the media and journalists who file complaints, are arrested, but let’s talk about UFOs,” he says.
In addition, a resident told the Washington Post that there was still a strong smell in the air that appeared to be a mixture of nail polish remover and burnt tires.
He also said authorities said the water in the area was uncontaminated and the air quality was safe, but authorities instructed people to clean all surfaces with diluted bleach and keep homes airy.
Environmental impact and operational measures
As you watch this black cloud of death surround this small town, don’t miss the 500 private homes in the shot.
32 small companies.
12 restaurants.
3 city parks.
2 playgrounds.
A primary school.
The high school.Pray for East Palestine Ohio 🙏🏻
— Benny Johnson (@bennyjohnson) February 14, 2023
The EPA, the American Environmental Protection Agency, examines the state of soil, water and air quality.
So far, reports indicate there are no pollutants in “alarming levels” in and around the Ohio area, though residents can still smell strong odors.
The EPA is working with the responsible company and claims regulators, and as of February 13 has tested the air in about 290 homes. The result revealed no vinyl chloride or hydrogen chloride, which can cause respiratory problems and pose a hazard to human life. Another 181 apartments were still awaiting inspection.
American Water, the company responsible for the area’s water, said Feb. 12 it has detected no change in water quality in the Ohio River, where it collects the resource.
Norfolk Southern has publicly said it has donated $25,000 to help the American Red Cross establish emergency shelters and provide assistance to those affected by the accident.
The company also assured in a statement that its own experts and contractors tested water from private wells, although it still encourages the purchase of bottled mineral water.
Residents have been complaining of headaches and discomfort since the gas leak. According to the Associated Press, two Pennsylvania residents are filing a federal lawsuit against Norfolk Southern to force the company to set up health surveillance for victims in both states and pay for related care for affected people within a 30mile radius.
The EPA said it was responsible for cleaning up the areas but gave no indication of when the situation could be considered normal.
“Initially, as with most pollution, it is difficult to determine the exact amount of material released into the air, water and soil,” wrote James Lee, media relations manager for the Ohio EPA, in an email to CNN.
“The assessment phase, which will take place after the end of the emergency, will help determine this information,” he added.