East Palestine Residents Interrupt Town Hall Event Amid Concerns Over Trail Derailment

Residents of a village in Ohio grew frustrated during a town hall event over concerns about a trail derailment that caused a toxic chemical spill.

The New York Times reported on Thursday that Darrell Wilson, a top government relations official for Norfolk Southern, attempted to apologize and explain what the company’s recovery efforts would be.

However, residents of East Palestine began to shout and express their frustration.

“We are sorry,” Wilson said. “We’re very sorry for what happened. We feel horrible about it.”

One person shouted, “Evacuate us!”

Another man said, “Get my grandchildren out of here!” adding, “If you care about us, get our grandkids out.”

According to the Times, the event was held at East Palestine High School where “residents vented and pleaded, describing how their families were still living in hotels or experiencing lingering health problems, including repeated vomiting and rashes.”

Watch part of the event below (00:00:41)

The Environmental Protection Agency said on Thursday it told Norfolk Southern to test for dioxins, toxic pollutants that may have been created following the chemical burn-off, per the Times.

Additionally, in February, the E.P.A. issued an order requiring the company to pay for the cleanup as well as “attend and participate in public meetings at E.P.A.’s request,” including the town hall event.

“Why did you wait so long?” one resident asked as Debra Shore, the E.P.A. regional administrator, attempted to discuss the order.

Individuals also yelled, “Start now!” as well as, “It’s too late!,” as the officials talked about the testing issue.

“We owe it to everyone, to everyone affected by the Norfolk Southern train derailment, to ensure that you continue to build those roots, that future generations can continue to proudly call this area home,” Shore said.

She added, “That is what E.P.A. is working toward. And we will not be leaving until you are satisfied.”

The Times pointed out Wilson struggled to get his words out over the crowd.

Roughly 2.1 million gallons of wastewater and 1,400 tons of solid waste have been removed from the derailment site.

President Joe Biden was asked about visiting the state at some point amid the recovery.

“I’ve spoken with every official in Ohio, Democrat and Republican, on a continuing basis, as in Pennsylvania,” Biden told reporters. “I laid out a little bit in there what I think the answers are … and we will be implementing an awful lot to the legislation here.”

He continued, “I will be out there at some point.”