'Matter of life and death': Ohio families asked to 'leave' as toxins swirl in air after controlled burning of derailed trains
OHIO, PENNSYLVANIA: Amid a rising threat to life after five tanker cars were detailed near the Ohio-Pennsylvania state line, the authorities have decided to release toxic chemicals. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine pleaded with residents to leave the area immediately to avoid the ‘possibility of death.’ The release of toxic chemicals will be carried out in a planned manner around 3.30 pm EST, on Monday, February 6.
"You need to leave, you just need to leave. This is a matter of life and death," DeWine during a news conference ahead of the controlled release planned. He had ordered evacuations in the area of the derailment that continues to ooze since Friday night, February 3. Scott Deutsch of Norfolk Southern Railway explained that releasing would be best if done during the day since the fumes will disperse more quickly and prevent the rail cars from exploding.
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'We can't control where that goes'
The authorities aim to avoid shrapnel and other debris spreading in the neighborhood due to the explosion. “We can't control where that goes," said Deutsch. The official also shared that the anticipated time for the release can take up to three hours. “The process involves using a small charge to blow a hole in the cars, allowing the material to go into a trench and burning it off before it's released in the air,” Deutsch further added.
'It is potentially too dangerous'
Pennsylvania Governor shared that the evacuation zone comprises 20 Pennsylvania residents, but even till Sunday night, only half have vacated their homes. State police went door to door to help the remaining residents evacuate at the earliest. He said, "This is very serious. I want you to know that if I were there right now if the first lady and our children were there right now, we would evacuate. We would leave this area. It is potentially too dangerous."
Friday night crash was reported to have 50 cars, which included 10 loaded with hazardous materials, as per rail operator Norfolk Southern and National Transportation Safety Board. Fortunately, no injuries were reported to the crew, residents, or first responders, reports CBS News. As per Federal investigators, the cause of the derailment was found to be a mechanical issue with a rail car axle. Mayor Trent Conaway, who declared a state of emergency in the village said, "I don't know why anybody would want to be up there; you're breathing toxic fumes if you're that close," after one arrest was made as one person went right up to the crash site.