Ohio train derailment: Justice Department suing Norfolk Southern over February derailment

Jack Birle

March 31, 09:43 AM March 31, 09:44 AM

The Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern for the derailment of a train carrying hazardous materials near East Palestine, Ohio, last month.

The suit, which has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Ohio, asserts that Norfolk Southern unlawfully polluted waterways in the area via the discharge of the hazardous materials that were on the train.

OHIO TRAIN DERAILMENT: DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH TO OFFER TESTING AND PHYSICAL EXAMS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

The civil action being brought by the DOJ is on behalf of the Environmental Protection Agency, per the filing, and is looking to "ensure it pays the full cost of the environmental cleanup."

The DOJ is "seeking injunctive relief, cost recovery, and civil penalties" for the pollution to the various waterways it says were affected as a result of the derailment, per the lawsuit.

Norfolk Southern has previously vowed to pay for the cleanup of the derailment and the surrounding area, but the legal action looks to ensure the rail company will be held liable for the environmental disaster.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced a lawsuit earlier this month, accusing Norfolk Southern of violating various federal and state laws.

The Ohio Department of Health recently announced it would begin offering blood and urine testing along with physical exams to first responders who worked to clean up the derailed trains and the hazardous materials.

The Feb. 3 derailment in East Palestine had 20 cars carrying hazardous materials. Of those, 11 derailed, causing environmental and safety concerns in the surrounding rural area.

Ohio train derailment: Senate leader calls for Norfolk Southern CEO testimony, blames Trump

Brady Knox

February 27, 09:29 PM February 27, 09:33 PM

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) called for Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw to testify before Congress.

On the Senate floor, Schumer said Norfolk Southern should be held accountable for establishing the conditions that led to the massive derailment and chemical release earlier this month.

OHIO TRAIN DERAILMENT: NORFOLK SOUTHERN CEO SAYS HE UNDERSTANDS 'THE ANGER'

“Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw needs to come before the Senate to answer questions under oath and explain to the American people exactly what went wrong and how they will prevent accidents like this from happening. He should not duck. He should be there,” Schumer said.

He went on to thank first responders and lawmakers who helped manage the crisis. He then blamed much of the crisis on former President Donald Trump, who he claims helped cause the derailment.

"It is so typical of Donald Trump. He does the bidding of corporate special interests, and it leads to serious harm to the American people. And when he gets caught, he turns around and blames someone else. It just doesn't wash. The American people see through it," he said.

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"Disasters like the one in East Palestine are precisely what can happen when safety takes a back seat to maximizing profits and when self-aggrandizing politicians like Donald Trump allow and encourage it to happen," he added.

Trump visited East Palestine last week. He distributed water and demanded that President Joe Biden visit the town.