EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — There were warning signs.
The National Transportation Safety Board released its preliminary report Thursday – detailing how a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials received three warning indicators that wheel bearings on the train were heating up prior to the derailment.
On the ground in East Palestine, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg pushed for tougher regulations on rail companies – some which he says the rail industry fights against or were “watered down” during past administrations.
Among his calls for change include increasing fines rail companies face for safety violations, advance notifications for state emergency personnel on when hazardous materials are being transported by rail and pushing for earlier adoption of newer tank cars.
Nearly three weeks ago, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials including vinyl chloride and others derailed near the Ohio/Pennsylvania border. The derailment caused a fire, prompted an evacuation and a “controlled release” of chemicals that officials said was necessary to ward off an explosion.
Former President Donald Trump visited the area Wednesday bringing with him bottled water and criticism of the Biden administration’s response.
On Thursday, Buttigieg took questions from reporters detailing how both the DOT, Congress and rail company can enact what he deemed to be “common sense” necessary changes.
When asked by 10 Investigates what assurances he could provide the people of East Palestine that he would hold Norfolk Southern’s feet to the fire and that the town would be restored, he said: “That’s exactly why we are here. That’s why our interest in keeping railroads safe doesn’t go away when some other hot news stories come into the headlines. We are going to be here day in and day out; year in and year out making railroads safer and making sure Norfolk Southern meets its responsibilities.”
Those interviewed by 10 Investigates expressed skepticism in what they are being told by the rail company and by local, state and federal government officials.
“It was terrifying, absolutely terrifying. I’ve never seen anything like this at all. It was pretty scary,” said Darlene Murphy, an 80-year old East Palestine resident, told 10 Investigates.
Murphy’s daughter, Barb Thompson, was helping her move out of the house she’s rented. It sits just 400 yards from the derailment site.
Murphy said she saw the flames after the derailment and has experienced symptoms like sore throat, watery eyes and headaches.
“They are right to be concerned with some of these environmental issues; health issues. They can last for years, they can last for decades,” Buttigieg said. “There are two things I can say – we will never forget the people of East Palestine… but the best way to deal with an ecological disaster is to stop it from happening in the first place.”
Despite those promises, there is another symptom spreading here among those we spoke to – mistrust of those in power.
“They are patronizing us. Telling us what they think we want to hear,” Darlene Murphy said. "It’s just plain old bulls*** and you can put that on TV. I hate it.”
10 Investigates reached out to the Norfolk Southern for comment. We will update this report when we hear back.