Concerns continue about the accident, in which the train carrying toxic chemicals in the US state of Ohio derailed on February 3, causing an environmental disaster.
Chemical substances emitted into the air, water and soil after the accident frighten the residents.
Republican Ohio Senator James David Vance, who entered the Congress in the November 2022 midterm elections, drew attention to the damage that occurred in the environment as a result of the accident, in his post on Twitter.
Vance shared, “I stopped by a small stream in East Palestine today. These waterways are still very polluted. It’s time for Norfolk Southern to finish the cleanup.” used the phrases.
Vance, who also broadcast a video footage from Leslie Run creek, scratched the bed of the stream with a stick in his hand and drew attention to how the surface of the water changed into white and color with chemicals.
FISHES IN THE RIVER DIE
In the video, Vance says, “There are dead worms and dead fish all over this water. When I scratched the water bed a little bit, I noticed that the chemicals were coming out. It’s disgusting. And the fact that we haven’t cleaned up the train wreck, that these chemicals are still seeping into the ground, is an insult to the people of East Palestine. Let’s not forget these people, let’s solve this problem by continuing to put pressure on those concerned.” gave his words.
Texas Republican Senator Ted Cruz, who retweeted Vance’s post, said, “Very disturbing. Vance is right, this needs to be cleaned up now.” made his comment.
The video sharing made by a user named Nick Sortor on social media also revealed how polluted the water resources in the region were.
As the video shows the surface turning chemical colors in rings after a large stone thrown into a seemingly normal creek, Sortor said, “More evidence that the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is lying to the people of East Palestine. This water is unbelievably polluted.” made statements.
CHEMICAL TRAIN ACCIDENT IN OHIO
In the environmental disaster that occurred on February 3, on the railroad near the East Palestine town of the US state of Ohio, explosions occurred after 50 wagons of the 150-car train carrying chemicals were derailed.
After the explosions, it was decided to evacuate the residents of the region due to the spread of high amounts of toxic chemicals in the environment. After the incident, there were reports in the media that the residents of the region had complaints such as headaches, burning eyes, cough, weakness, and animal deaths.
Ohio state officials claimed that air pollution was not the cause of animal deaths near the accident, while urging residents to use bottled water until all tests on their drinking water were completed.
Norfolk Southern, the train company involved in the accident, also announced in a statement that they cleaned the area in an environmentally friendly manner and provided financial assistance to the local people for the losses caused by the accident.
The people of East Palestine, with a population of 4,700, where the accident took place, stated that they were not satisfied with the official statements, and criticized the authorities, especially the Ministry of Transport and the train company Norfolk Southern, with a harsh language.
The residents of the town expressed that they did not trust the explanations of the authorities, and called for transparency to the authorities by expressing their concerns about the chemical fumes and odors that continue to affect the region and the safety of drinking water. (AA)