Norfolk Southern agrees to $600 million settlement for East Palestine train derailment

The company whose freight train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, causing a massive chemical spill last year has reached a $600 million settlement agreement with residents. 

Norfolk Southern on Tuesday announced an agreement in principle to resolve a class action lawsuit brought by residents and businesses impacted by the derailment. If accepted by the court, the settlement will provide financial payments to members of the community and includes a voluntary program to compensate individuals for past, present and future injuries resulting from exposure to toxic chemicals, attorneys for the plaintiffs said. 

"This is another promise kept by Norfolk Southern to make it right for the people of East Palestine and the surrounding communities," the company said in a statement.