NTSB criticizes Norfolk Southern for burning toxic substances following Ohio train wreck
At a daylong NTSB gathering in the town itself, the sternest criticism was directed towards the railroad for advocating for a deliberately induced explosion and combustion of five toxic vinyl chloride tank cars, four days following the derailment.
Norfolk Southern informed the public officials who granted authorization for the controlled burn, referred to as a vent and burn procedure, that it was the sole means to prevent a massive and uncontrolled explosion. However, during the hearing on Tuesday, NTSB staff and members contested this point.
A hazardous materials investigator from NTSB, Paul Stancil, disclosed that Oxy Vinyl representatives, who owned the five tank cars of vinyl chloride, were not convinced that the procedure was necessary with the data available at the time. Yet, according to Stancil, this crucial piece of information was withheld from the public officials responsible for making the final decision.
This story is still developing and will be updated.
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Despite the controversy surrounding Norfolk Southern's decision, many businesses in the region might still rely on the railroad for transportation services. Moreover, the incident has highlighted the need for more transparency and collaboration between railroad companies, chemical manufacturers, and regulatory bodies during emergency situations.
