COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The White House announced that President Joe Biden is planning to meet with residents impacted by the Norfolk Southern Train derailment in Ohio as the one-year anniversary approaches.
There is still no express date for it.
Last year, on Feb. 3, a loading exercise at Norfolk Southern with more than 50 rail cars derailed in eastern Palestine, causing a large fire and releasing chemicals into the air and surrounding areas.
A few days later, the government blew up five more tank cars to prevent them from exploding. The chemical spill has left citizens with lingering concerns about its potential long-term effects.
This has led to calls for railroad protection and stricter regulations, not only in Ohio, but also in the United States.
Biden said his administration would continue to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for cleaning up all infected soil and water and any environmental damage caused by the derailment in eastern Palestine. This includes reimbursing the federal government for the costs of intervention.