- A train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio this month, leading to the release of toxic chemicals.
- Some of the chemicals were released on purpose in a controlled burn.
- Residents of the small town evacuated, and now many fear for their futures.
Residents of a small town are fearing for their futures, after toxic chemicals from a derailed train were burned in East Palestine, Ohio this month.
Officials executed a “controlled burn” of vinyl chloride — a known carcinogen — that was being transported through Ohio after a train carrying the chemicals was derailed on Feb. 3, NPR reported. The burn occurred after some of the derailed cars already ignited due to the crash, the Washington Post reported.
About 1,500 residents — more than a quarter of the population of East Palestine — were evacuated during the burn, according to the Post.
But questions and concerns remain. Here’s the latest on the East Palestine derailment and fire, including the aftermath and resident reactions.
