Ohio was hit with a terrible disaster after a 150-car train derailed in East Palestine. After the terrible incident, some dangerous chemicals leaked from the train causing explosions and harmful air pollution. Dangerous chemicals such as carcinogenic vinyl chloride were leaked into the surrounding environment (water, air, and soil).
Currently, government officials in Ohio say there are no casualties, and people can safely move around now. However, those living around the surrounding areas are still experiencing the effects of the Ohio train disaster. Many people are experiencing difficulties such as skin reactions, respiratory problems, and many other issues. Animals who were affected by the explosions were found dead in different areas.
After the Ohio train disaster, the train involved in the incident had to be burned down in a controlled manner so that the toxic chemicals it contained could be safely released. Before the rain remnants were burned down, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued an order which mandated that those around the surrounding area move away by one mile.
Norfolk Southern was the company that was tasked with cleaning up the train and environmental degradation mess recorded within the area. Norfolk Southern also made a $25,000 donation to the community affected by the Ohio train disaster and promised to give each family within the area of the disaster $1,000 compensation.
Inconsistency with Norfolk Southern Compensation
The residents affected by the Ohio train disaster have reported many inconsistencies in how Norfolk Southern carried out their compensation promises. According to several affected residents, they were often made to provide unnecessary documents to receive donations. In some cases, visiting the disbursement center often results in renewed air and water pollution symptoms.
Amanda Greathouse, who resides near the area of the disaster, left the area one hour after the incident happened. She and her family returned later to retrieve certain documents, such as bank and identification documents. Despite the quality mask they wore, they could stop perceiving the odor coming from the disaster site. However, experts have assured the citizens around the area that several tests have been conducted, showing that the air temperature and content are safe.
Animals Heavily Affected
Animals living within the disaster area were also affected heavily, which mostly led to their death. Pets and wild animals were found dead in different locations within the environment. Tests from vets confirmed that most of the dead animals died as a result of the harmful chemicals that were exposed to the environment after the derailment.
Andrea Belden, one of the area's residents, found out that her two-year-old cat, Leo, started behaving abnormally after the disaster. The cat could not move as he used to; he didn't want to drink or eat. In the end, Leo had to die, and Andrea Belden owed more than $8,000 from the treatment administered.
This wasn't the only case of animal death. Several other pets and wild animals died within the area, and to make matters worse, Norfolk Southern refused to compensate some of those whose animals died due to the train disaster.