DISASTER Train derailment, fire, evacuation in East Palestine (OHIO)

Countrymouse

Countrymouse

Country exile in the city
Son's rail-fan page lit up around 10 pm, alerting us to huge train derailment and fire in East Palestine, OH, near the PA border.

Only news story I've been able to find on it so far is out of some little station in Youngstown, OH (reprinted below).

Better details from the Rail-Fan threads, right now:

Norfolk-Southern line in East Palestine, OH, just west of PIttsburgh. Train with a load of hazardous chemicals (not sure if it's oil, fuel, ethanol, vinyl chloride, or ethanol--all have been reported) hit a coal train and are on fire. Reports are train has also struck a building. One railfan confirmed that engineer said it was vinyl chloride.

Latest reports are that the area within 1 mile has had to be totally evacuated and that the fire dept is telling those beyond 1 mile to stay in their homes. Firefighters have had to draw back because of the flames / fumes from the chemicals, and air-drops of water or foam are being brought in to douse the flames--but online reports are that it will take 3-4 hours to get those air-drops there.

I've only been able to find the one story about this so far (which seems odd). See below:

https: //www.wfmj.com/story/48310178/train-derailment-fire-reported-in-east-palestine[/URL]

Train derailment, fire, evacuation in East Palestine​

Calls started coming into the 21 Newsroom shortly before 10pm Friday; police could not confirm any information initially.
1 hr 30 mins ago
Updated:
27 mins ago
By Chris Cerenelli

By Sydney Stalnecker

By Mike Gauntner

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Officials in Columbiana County are responding to East Palestine following a train derailment and major fire that lit up the night sky for miles Friday night.

Initial calls came out shortly after 9 p.m. to the area of East Taggart Street along the railroad tracks that travel east-west through town.

East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway says anyone within a mile of the train crossing at James Street needs to evacuate immediately. Everyone else is urged to stay at home and stay off the roads while the fire is cleared.

Conaway said during a news conference at midnight on Feb. 4 that the evacuation is in place until further notice.

Studio 25 at 24 North Market Street is open for people in need of a place to stay. A bus is taking people to East Palestine School District's gymnasium, which is offering a place for evacuees as well.

No injuries or fatalities are confirmed.

It's not known what the train was carrying at the time of the accident; witness photos show a large fire and plume of smoke. Dispatchers at East Palestine Police Department could not confirm any information initially.

Smoke from the fire was so thick, it showed up on Stormtracker 21 Radar.


Fire departments from Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia have been called to assist.

Norfolk Southern Railroad issued the following statement: "We are aware of the derailment in East Palestine, and are coordinating closely with local first responders while mobilizing our own teams. We will share more details as they become available."

Mayor Conaway said to check the East Palestine Information Facebook page for updates.

The next news conference will be held at 6 a.m.

21 News crews are on scene working to learn more from witnesses and officials and will provide updates as we get them.
 
Countrymouse

Countrymouse

Country exile in the city
From Facebook page of the railfan reporting it:

Terrible derailment. Near East Palestine, Ohio on the PA Ohio border. Flames everywhere. Apparently the train derailed hit a building. A gas stations on fire included in the derailment. Power is disembarking off. Train crew is safe but the train is completely all over the place. Traffic is stopped both directions at this time.
 
Countrymouse

Countrymouse

Country exile in the city
From another post (facebook):

Just read this on another site...I'm gonna fill you guys some info I've received on the derailment that happened. Not my post shared from my friend ...

The crew is OK! The conductor unhooked the engines from the train and they got out of there quickly. There was another train coming in the opposite direction a few miles away when the derailment happened. They stopped and are backing up to get to safety.

The train symbol is Norfolk Southern 32N and they derailed at 2130hrs. They derailed into the Leake Oil Company hitting one of their storage tanks. Unknown how the train derailed.

50-70 train cars are on fire which train cars 28-30 were carrying Vinyl Chlorine. Short-term exposure to vinyl chloride in the air can result in irritation of the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs. Extended periods of time leads to cancer.

Roughly 30 fire departments have been dispatched to the scene.

I will continue to update you guys as I get more info.
 
Countrymouse

Countrymouse

Country exile in the city
any members in the OH / PA area that can get us more news on this? It sounds like a really dangerous situation with the chemical fumes--even the firefighters have had to back off--and maybe that's why no news---reporters can't even get near.

But you'd think I could find more than just this one article..............?
 
Countrymouse

Countrymouse

Country exile in the city
My son was able to pull a video from a FB page showing the massive fire and it's on my computer, but the system says "file too large" (it's 4.12 MB). I know how to re-size a picture; anyone able to tell me how to "re-size" a movie? (.mov file)
 
Countrymouse

Countrymouse

Country exile in the city
heading to bed. Again, any OH or PA members who could fill us in w more details in the morning, please do...........thanks!
 
Buick Electra

Buick Electra

TB2K Girls with Guns
(FSTCBL)


Fire1.JPG

The second pic is an MP4 video. I'll put the direct link below the screen shot.


fire2.JPG


https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1621719672201658369
View: https://twitter.com/NewsJunkieBreak/status/1621719672201658369




https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1621719889089101830
View: https://twitter.com/phaylen/status/1621719889089101830




https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1621725968787279872
View: https://twitter.com/rawsalerts/status/1621725968787279872
 
Countrymouse

Countrymouse

Country exile in the city
jed turtle said:
Tragic disaster or we just got hit by an enemy...
Click to expand...
I'm not sure the balloon got anywhere near there, but still could be.

Or could just be human stupidity.

Son has noted that NS has been trying to be more "efficient"--by CUTTING train crews from 2 to 1 in places, increasing the length of trains (more cars being pulled in one train or by one engine--massively increasing the weight and the strain on engines and knuckles and (I would think) increasing "sway"--if one car has a bad /stuck wheel -- called a "hot wheel--then it's going to be a greatly increased effect on a longer / heavier train).
 
mzkitty

mzkitty

I give up.

Train cars continue to burn following derailment in East Palestine, Ohio; state of emergency declared​

Derailment happened a little before 9 p.m. on Friday​

Updated: 10:28 AM EST Feb 4, 2023​

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — ​

A train derailment and resulting large fire prompted an evacuation order in an Ohio village near the Pennsylvania state line on Friday night, covering the area in billows of smoke lit orange by the flames below.​

During a news conference on Saturday morning, it was announced that some of the 50 train cars involved in the derailment in East Palestine, were continuing to burn.​

The derailment happened a little before 9 p.m. Friday in the small town in Ohio which is not far from the Pennsylvania border in Beaver County.​

No injuries or fatalities were reported though people in the area of the train derailment were told to either evacuate or shelter in place.​

"We are aware of the derailment in East Palestine, and are coordinating closely with local first responders while mobilizing our own teams. We will share more details as they become available," Norfolk Southern said in a statement.​

East Palestine Mayor Trent Conaway has declared a state of emergency as a result of the incident. Conaway told reporters that firefighters from three states responded. The derailment happened about 51 miles northwest of Pittsburgh.​

The National Transportation Safety Board is sending a team to Ohio in response.​

A hazmat team and more than half a dozen fire companies from Beaver County are assisting. Hazmat crews responded to the scene to determine whether hazardous materials were involved, and air quality in the area is being monitored, officials said.​

Freezing temperatures in the single digits complicated the response as trucks pumping water froze, Conaway said.​

Pittsburgh's Action News 4 spoke with a railroad safety expert about what the people of East Palestine can expect in the days ahead.​

"It could be days before they clean it up and people are allowed back to their homes," Michael Callanan said. "And then you have the process of re-railing the cars and removing the cars that are damaged."​

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More here:​

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www.wtae.com

State of emergency continues in East Palestine, Ohio after train derailment

A train derailment and resulting large fire have prompted an evacuation order in an Ohio village near the Pennsylvania state line.
www.wtae.com www.wtae.com

​

 
Macgyver

Macgyver

Has No Life - Lives on TB
Countrymouse said:
I'm not sure the balloon got anywhere near there, but still could be.

Or could just be human stupidity.

Son has noted that NS has been trying to be more "efficient"--by CUTTING train crews from 2 to 1 in places, increasing the length of trains (more cars being pulled in one train or by one engine--massively increasing the weight and the strain on engines and knuckles and (I would think) increasing "sway"--if one car has a bad /stuck wheel -- called a "hot wheel--then it's going to be a greatly increased effect on a longer / heavier train).
Click to expand...
The engines are split up so they don't pull the cars apart. Front, middle, back end usually.
 
Countrymouse

Countrymouse

Country exile in the city
Macgyver said:
The engines are split up so they don't pull the cars apart. Front, middle, back end usually.
Click to expand...
that's true---but the trains are still double the length they were a couple years ago. This happened after NS moved its headquarters to Atlanta. No matter where the engines are placed, the over-all WEIGHT being put on the couplers (knuckles) connecting the trains is STILL much greater.

The ones who watch the trains as a hobby have noted the marked increase in train breakdowns since this "improvement."

I'm not saying that's a factor in this accident; I've heard varying reports that the train hit another train (a coal train)--whether in passing it on adjacent lines or in some other way I do not know--or that it hit a building near the tracks (called by some a "gas station", but given that Leaky Oil is a gas production facility more likely a fill-up station for oil cars or 18-wheel tankers).
 
T

toxic avenger

Senior Member
Defective metal tends to fail more in cold weather fluctuations than in hot weather, and in general, winter conditions contribute to more derailments occurring this time of year than any other season. Cold-induced contractions cause rail breaks and internal defects to grow much like how the cracks on your windshield let loose in temperature extremes. Ive seen sections of the head of the rail break completely off with no prior warning.

Reports say the train was running near a chemical plant, perhaps an associated switch may be the culprit. Cold weather causes switch point gaps, broken rods, and broken frog surfaces.

I was a FRA part 213 Track Inspector on a Class II railroad for 5 years.
 
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T

The Traveler

Veteran Member
Kayak said:
It's still burning, twelve hours later. WTH burns for twelve hours? The fuel (whatever was on fire) should be gone by now.

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1621869285025976322
View: https://twitter.com/WPXI_Lori/status/1621869285025976322
Click to expand...
Not necessarily, it depends on how many cars are ruptured and how many tanks at the chemical company are on fire. Remember, with flammable liquids, its the vapors that burn not the liquid. It could take days for this to burn out. If I was the IC, that would be my first decision after assuring people were safe and away from the hot zone.
 
Wildweasel

Wildweasel

F-4 Phantoms Phorever
Bubble Head said:
How vital is this line? If one train hit a coal train I would assume some coal fired plant is going to be short on coal. This rail is going to be down for a long time not to mention the collateral damage. Where is Dagny Taggert?
Has the Rail Road strike been resoved?
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It's the old Pennsylvania RR main line, now Norfolk Southern's NYC-Chicago main line. I need to start checking contacts to see if re-routes of priority trains or Amtrak will start running through my locale. It's gonna be several days before that line is repaired and able to handle trains.

UPDATE: Amtrak turned their two NYC-CHI/CHI-NYC trains that departed yesterday back to the origination points and cancelled those trains scheduled to depart today.

NS is detouring its two highest priority NYC-CHI/CHI-NYC intermodal trains off their normal route at Harrisburg and running them Binghamton - Scranton - Buffalo - Cleveland to resume their normal routes. No idea if any lower priority trains will go that route, crew availability is a limiting factor on the route.
 
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bev

bev

Has No Life - Lives on TB
“Freezing temperatures in the single digits complicated the response as trucks pumping water froze, Conaway said.”

:shk: Journalism
 
yellowlabz

yellowlabz

Veteran Member
www.wfmj.com

Vinyl chloride spills from derailed train, flames and smoke continue to billow

East Palestine officials confirmed vinyl chloride is the chemical in the rail cars. A shelter in place order is still in effect until further notice.
www.wfmj.com www.wfmj.com

Vinyl chloride spills from derailed train, flames and smoke continue to billow​

East Palestine officials confirmed vinyl chloride is the chemical in the rail cars. A shelter in place order is still in effect until further notice.
2 hrs 3 mins ago
By Sydney Stalnecker

Image

East Palestine officials confirmed vinyl chloride as the chemical the derailed train was carrying.

The Environmental Protection Agency placed air monitors throughout the town. Though the chemical is a carcinogen, the EPA reports zero readings of a health risk in the air, according to city officials.

The CDC identifies the chemical as a colorless gas or liquid "shipped as a liquefied compressed gas."

Runoff of the chemical has been detected in streams.

Mayor Conaway said the Village's water is safe to drink, though there may be some discoloration because several thousand gallons of water were used to try and put the fire out.

According to East Palestine officials, a spokesperson for Norfolk Southern said the safety feature inside the rail car is functioning. At this time, there should be no interference with the train by local fire departments while the safety feature is functioning.

Officials say the scene is still very dangerous, and they are not allowing anyone access to the area due to safety concerns.

They are urging people to stop attempting to approach the fire. Village officials are considering pressing charges against individuals who attempt to approach the fire.

At this time, nearly half of East Palestine's population is displaced due to evacuations. Between 1,500 to 2,000 people have relocated.

East Palestine high school is still open offering shelter.

The Mayor said residents that did not evacuate are under a shelter in place order until further notice.

The National Transportation Safety Board is on scene. East Palestine officials will gather with them at 7 p.m. on Feb. 4.

The next press briefing will be held Sunday, Feb. 5 at noon.

As of this morning, the fire has "lessened a little bit," but fire, smoke and a plastic smell are still noticeable in the area.
 
G

gunnersmom

Veteran Member
I live there. This just brings tears to my eyes, and I sure didn't expect to see it discussed here. It's just a little town that loses more residents by the year, and it seems like the whole place is just wearing down. I'm going to share a news feed that is discussing it right now. Its a MESS. I wonder if we'll survive after this honestly.

It used to be that great American town where everyone knew everyone and the kids minded their p's and q's. The school system was wonderful, and the teachers all knew your parents and all your brothers and sisters.
Not much happens in "Palestine" as locals are refer to it. There is one grocery store, used to be three. Several churches with less and less cars in the parking lot every year.
There are more and more empty store fronts and I was just reading on the face book town page that everyone is all pissed off because village council wants to start making food truck and other non brick and mortars. pay for a license.

There used to be about 7 or 8 bars in town, but now there are 2.
Even though there is a stay at home order, hubby and I drove around to see what we could see this afternoon. It breaks my heart that this little town is suffering such a mortal blow. I'm sure we'll lose even more residents. As far as I can tell most of the damage was to the train itself. But I'm seeing the same pictures you all are because we really couldn't get close enough to tell.

I was a waitress in a restaurant in this town back during my college days. Used to be that the big companies (trucking, furniture manufacturer, tank company, a company called Insul that I have no idea about their product, a tire company at one time, a tube rolling company, a nationally known furniture company, nice grocery stores, a world renown pottery) and probably many more that I never knew about) all made their homes here. And people had jobs, and the concept of a dollar staying in the community kept the families in the middle class and able to "do" for their families.
Back in my teens, I was told in the old days, when those trains came through every Friday without slowing down one little bit, they had a fellow in the back who would LITERALLY throw a bag out with the paychecks for some of those companies Sometimes he didn't do such a good job and some the checks were run over.
I do love my little town, still. But I can't say that I've liked it for a long time. It's not the friendly, everyone knows everyone place that it used to be. But I can tell you for sure, this is going to be a hard blow for us all.

I'm sorry I don't have more information about the wreck, but here's the link. It will give you more info than I can.

www.wkbn.com

WKBN.com

Local News, Weather and Sports in Youngstown, Ohio
www.wkbn.com www.wkbn.com
Screen Shot 2023-02-04 at 1.11.00 PM.png
 
dawgofwar10

dawgofwar10

Veteran Member
gunnersmom said:
I live there. This just brings tears to my eyes, and I sure didn't expect to see it discussed here. It's just a little town that loses more residents by the year, and it seems like the whole place is just wearing down. I'm going to share a news feed that is discussing it right now. Its a MESS. I wonder if we'll survive after this honestly.

It used to be that great American town where everyone knew everyone and the kids minded their p's and q's. The school system was wonderful, and the teachers all knew your parents and all your brothers and sisters.
Not much happens in "Palestine" as locals are refer to it. There is one grocery store, used to be three. Several churches with less and less cars in the parking lot every year.
There are more and more empty store fronts and I was just reading on the face book town page that everyone is all pissed off because village council wants to start making food truck and other non brick and mortars. pay for a license.

There used to be about 7 or 8 bars in town, but now there are 2.
Even though there is a stay at home order, hubby and I drove around to see what we could see this afternoon. It breaks my heart that this little town is suffering such a mortal blow. I'm sure we'll lose even more residents. As far as I can tell most of the damage was to the train itself. But I'm seeing the same pictures you all are because we really couldn't get close enough to tell.

I was a waitress in a restaurant in this town back during my college days. Used to be that the big companies (trucking, furniture manufacturer, tank company, a company called Insul that I have no idea about their product, a tire company at one time, a tube rolling company, a nationally known furniture company, nice grocery stores, a world renown pottery) and probably many more that I never knew about) all made their homes here. And people had jobs, and the concept of a dollar staying in the community kept the families in the middle class and able to "do" for their families.
Back in my teens, I was told in the old days, when those trains came through every Friday without slowing down one little bit, they had a fellow in the back who would LITERALLY throw a bag out with the paychecks for some of those companies Sometimes he didn't do such a good job and some the checks were run over.
I do love my little town, still. But I can't say that I've liked it for a long time. It's not the friendly, everyone knows everyone place that it used to be. But I can tell you for sure, this is going to be a hard blow for us all.

I'm sorry I don't have more information about the wreck, but here's the link. It will give you more info than I can.

www.wkbn.com

WKBN.com

Local News, Weather and Sports in Youngstown, Ohio
www.wkbn.com www.wkbn.com
View attachment 395521
Click to expand...
That is the State of America everywhere, we are a true train wreck!! And what you said above all that is 100% true, history has been thrown out and the youths with it.
 
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Momof5

Momof5

Senior Member
So, seeing I am the next little town over and can see it from my bedroom window, let me tell you. This was gigantic.
gunnersmom said:
one more picView attachment 395522
Click to expand...
I live in Enon, right next to you. I hope you are ok. Was on my way home after work about 9:30 and firetrucks were flying around me. Saw all this black smoke and told my son, something big is on fire. Was on 51 where I would turn and saw to Palestine and saw the big orange cloud and couldn't believe it. We raced home to try to find out what was going on. It was the first thing on Facebook.
 
Momof5

Momof5

Senior Member
I absolutely love that town. Very laid back, pleasant town. Been looking for a house there. A lot of people were allowed back home last night. The fire is mostly out. Something did happen this morning, was at work and a big group of firefighters were coming in for breakfast. They sat five minutes and got called back out to Palestine. Not sure why. They roads are all blocked. Apparently you have to have proof of residency to go in to town. Trying to think of all the updates I know. Apparently whatever was burning is horrible smelling. Burns your eyes and throat. Makes it hard to breathe.
 
Countrymouse

Countrymouse

Country exile in the city
Kayak said:
View attachment 395493

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1621985663938600960
View: https://twitter.com/KUTV2News/status/1621985663938600960
Click to expand...
Looks like from the pic that most of the fire now is under all that black smoke, which would put it at the Leake Chemical facility (the "gas station" or "building" that was reported hit by the train earlier on). If so, they've got probably large storage tanks or a multitude of drums of chemical in that building burning as well.
 
Countrymouse

Countrymouse

Country exile in the city
Momof5 said:
I absolutely love that town. Very laid back, pleasant town. Been looking for a house there. A lot of people were allowed back home last night. The fire is mostly out. Something did happen this morning, was at work and a big group of firefighters were coming in for breakfast. They sat five minutes and got called back out to Palestine. Not sure why. They roads are all blocked. Apparently you have to have proof of residency to go in to town. Trying to think of all the updates I know. Apparently whatever was burning is horrible smelling. Burns your eyes and throat. Makes it hard to breathe.
Click to expand...
CHLORINE.

Please avoid breathing it--it is deadly!
 
Momof5

Momof5

Senior Member
Countrymouse said:
Looks like from the pic that most of the fire now is under all that black smoke, which would put it at the Leake Chemical facility (the "gas station" or "building" that was reported hit by the train earlier on). If so, they've got probably large storage tanks or a multitude of drums of chemical in that building burning as well.
Click to expand...
There are conflicting reports on the gas facility. The place they say caught fire is still there and fine. It may have hit one of their tanks, but that is not clear yet either. The gas is vinyl chloride. But that was in 10 or so cars. They haven't said what else was in the tankers. Heard possibly malt alcohol or something like that. All hush-hush
 
Raggedyman

Raggedyman

Res ipsa loquitur
gunnersmom said:
It used to be that great American town where everyone knew everyone and the kids minded their p's and q's. The school system was wonderful, and the teachers all knew your parents and all your brothers and sisters.
Click to expand...
Momof5 said:
I live in Enon, right next to you.
Click to expand...
ladies - my sympathies. I know this area well having grown up on the south side of Youngstown - eventually living in the Canfield area. made many a trip down RT 7 to 165 into those parts. as gunnersmom has said, not at all what it once was, but yet indeed still an incredible place. in the 60's I spent many happy days hunting small game all over Columbiana county and fishing some of the smaller farm ponds there. full of people proud of their heritage, solid AMERICANS with an incredible work ethic. strong symbols of what AMERICA ONCE WAS. and then CORPORATE AMERICA felt the need to OFFSHORE everything they could - from STEEL to what ever else they could rape and pillage for fun and profit. the entire area was never the same.

prayers for you and yours a well as the many fine people of that area. I believe that @SAR01 was also from Columbiana county (or the environs there of)

best wishes to all of you
 
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