https://www.cbsnews.com/pittsburgh/news/train-derailment-massive-fire-east-palestine-ohio-ntsb-investigation/
EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (KDKA) — UPDATE: 8:50 p.m.: An emergency alert has gone out to any residents within the one-mile radius of the hot zone. The alert asks anyone within the area to evacuate immediately due to concerns over a possible explosion.
caused in Ohio on Feb. 3, 2023.
SUBMITTED
Investigators learned five tank cars in the derailment were carrying vinyl chloride. The NTSB said they are slowly releasing it into the air, which means safety release devices on the tankers are doing their job.
"One of the cars is releasing some of its pressure, and that is normal; that's how that car is designed to keep it from exploding or anything like that," Graham said.
Conaway said they're being told they need to let the fire burn.
Investigators and specialists are still identifying other chemicals in the cars, using drones and other technology in the process.
The NTSB and specialists from the Federal Rail Administration will also dig through video and data recorders from the train cars once they can.
"The locomotives were equipped with forward-facing image recorders and event data recorders. Event data recorders could provide investigators with information such as train speed, throttle position, and brake applications," Graham said.
Graham said the speed limit on the track is 45 miles per hour.
A federal investigation is officially underway, but it is the start of a long process.
"Our team methodically and systematically reviews all evidence and considers all potential factors to determine the probable cause and make any necessary, safety recommendations," Graham said.
In the meantime, local leaders urge the public to stay back.
"You're putting yourself and us in danger. Stop," Drabick said. "Let us handle the situation. All we want is the safety of the citizens and residents."
Conaway said they will consider taking action against anyone who sneaks past the barriers.
A preliminary report on the accident is expected in four-to-six weeks, while a full NTSB investigation report will not be finalized for another 18-to-24 months.
Village leaders said the water could have a slight discoloration, but it is safe, and crews are continuing to test it. They also said people are not allowed to fly personal drones in and around the area.
According to the mayor, at least ten businesses remain closed near the crash site. Conaway said it happened near a Marathon Fuel gas station and right behind a home heating oil supplier. Fire crews quickly took steps to protect those businesses, along with others in the area, removing any items of concern, like fuel products.
On Saturday, the mayor clarified that no structures were damaged. Earlier he said one caught fire that crews quickly knocked down.
As for the strain this has put on the small village, Conaway said they're working together with the surrounding agencies.
"We have great first responders, police, and fire department. We have a great crew," Conaway said. "We get along with all the neighboring towns, police, and fire so you know, it's a big brotherhood here."
It's not exactly the type of incident they're used to.
"It's a very big event. Not many people have seen this in their history, in their careers as firefighters, so this is something they're coming into that's you know, you can train for it, but you really can't train for something this big," Conaway said.
KDKA crews on the scene witnessed trucks hauling in new train tracks to the village throughout the afternoon and evening Saturday. Officials said Norfolk Southern is staging to prepare for the time they can go in and repair the tracks.
Norfolk Southern also established a Family Assistance Center at the East Palestine City Park Community Center. It will be open on Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
The evacuation center at East Palestine Jr. Sr. High School is also still open and is staffed by the American Red Cross.
The public can call 211 for updates on the situation in the village.