Headline RoundupFebruary 16th, 2023

Ohio Train Crash Raises Questions on Transportation, Safety, Response

Summary from the AllSides News Team

After a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio forced around 2,000 residents to evacuate while crews worked to control toxic chemicals still inside the wreckage, outlets across the spectrum are analyzing what factors might have contributed to the accident, potential fallout for the region, and how the media and federal government have responded to the incident.

Preventable Accident? An article in the Huffington Post questioned if the incident was a result of years of regulatory repeals and cuts. The piece stated that “the Ohio disaster has led to renewed calls for stronger safety standards for trains transporting hazardous materials, nearly a billion tons of which travel by rail each year in the U.S.”

Chemical Concerns: A Newsweek article outlined the ecological impact and health risks that remain for East Palestine residents and regional wildlife. The piece quoted environmentalists and health experts warning of “serious environmental damage” in the area surrounding the crash site, determining that “many people fear the true scale of the environmental effects has yet to be identified, despite being told on February 8 it was safe to return to their homes.”

Ignoring The Accident? Responses to the derailment and chemical release, both from media and politicians, have been criticized, with a Newsweek opinion contributor determining that “Elites don't give a damn about Ohio.” Fox News highlighted criticism of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who did not mention the crash during a speech at a conference on Monday.

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