The decision to release and burn toxic chemicals from five derailed train cars in East Palestine, Ohio, was not necessary and was based on a misinterpretation of the situation by Norfolk Southern and its contractors, as stated by NTSB investigators.
Investigators found that Norfolk Southern and its contractors disregarded the dropping temperature of a heated up train car after a post-derailment fire, missing the signal that the danger was reducing.
NTSB investigators discovered that Norfolk Southern failed to provide important information to local officials, like a key report from the chemicals' manufacturer indicating a low probability of the worst-case scenario.
A delay in sharing vital information on hazardous materials aboard the derailed train led to prolonged exposure of emergency responders and the public to post-derailment hazards, according to NTSB investigator Troy Lloyd.
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