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Train derails in Texas during collision days after Ohio disaster sparking comparisons to 'Atlas Shrugged'

The cargo on the train included some hazardous materials, prompting Union Pacific to monitor air quality at the site of the crash

SPLENDORA, TEXAS: Multiple train cars were derailed and a truck driver died on Monday, February 13, during a collision northeast of Houston. This comes days after 50 Norfolk Southern Railroad freight train cars derailed in Columbiana County in Ohio on Friday, February 3, leading to the release of various toxic chemicals. In Texas, the crash between an 18-wheeler and Union Pacific train occurred along Interstate 69/US 59 near its intersection with Fostoria and Midline roads. It took place between the towns of Splendora and Cleveland,  Lt Troy Teller of the Splendora Police Department confirmed. 

“From what we’re being told and shown, there’s no major chemicals to be concerned about,” Union Pacific spokesperson Robynn Tysver said, according to Houston Public Media. “It’s more so household chemicals on board for retail purposes. It’s not a large quantity from what we’re being told.”

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What happened in the Splensora collision?

In a Facebook Post, East Montgomery County Fire Department confirmed that the truck driver died. "0730 this morning units were dispatched to a Train vs Truck accident with train derailment of multiple rail cars (16) along Highway 59 in the area of Midline Road. Engine 155 arrived on location to find multiple rail cars derailed and one Truck with major damage. Sadly the driver of this truck succumbed to injuries sustained in this wreck. Our thoughts and prayers are with that individuals family. Currently units are still on scene and there is NO threat to the public from the derailed rail cars. Please avoid the north bound feeder of Highway 59 north of FM2090. This will be an active incident for hours!" the Facebook post said.

Why is 'Atlas Shrugged' trending?

'Atlas Shrugged' is trending on social media after the recent accidents. Users have drawn comparisons between the incidents and a scenario from Ayn Rand's 1957 novel 'Atlas Shrugged'. This was the author's longest novel, and the fourth and final one published during her lifetime.

Atlas is a character from Greek mythology whose punishment from Zeus was to carry on his shoulders the weight of the world. In the book, Rand used the phrase as a metaphor for smart and creative people like industrialists, artists, engineers and others, who are responsoble for supporting the world. These people, according to the novel, are opposed by bad government policies, as a result of which they go on a strike and "shrug" off the weight of the world. 

Taking to Twitter and using the comparison in connection with the recent train incidents, one user wrote, "Atlas Shrugged had the collapse of civilization starting with liberals in control and train disasters." Another said, "East Palestine is right out of Ayn Rand. Her Taggert Line run by government flunkies, no safety precautions. Elon Musk is like a John Galt or a Reardon. Atlas Shrugged was goofy in 1980. Now, weak, stupid, and lazy are virtues. Lies are truth. Dems above law." "The East Palestine Chernobyl disaster feels straight out of Atlas Shrugged. A signal to break off and build a new society for sovereign, self-actualized individuals, free of negative feedback loops. Someone will do it; who is John Galt?" one user wrote.

"The US is clearly under sabotage war attacks whit the goal of creating a social implosion," a user said, while another said, "The US is clearly under sabotage war attacks whit the goal of creating a social implosion." "Train Derailment in East Palestine, Ohio Train Derailment in Houston, Texas I'd start putting people on this. @FBI @TheJusticeDept," one user said. "The deadly train derailment in Houston is just another example of how careless we have become as a nation for these issues. We the people are blind and don't see the signs of corruption. These signs are that of a failed system, a nation that can longer protect you," said one user.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.