Replace (1345ET): The NTSB has stated in a Tuesday assertion that “investigators have recognized and examined the rail automotive that initiated the derailment,” including “Surveillance video from a residence confirmed what seems to be a wheel bearing within the closing stage of overheat failure moments earlier than the derailment.“

The company says it should publish a preliminary report on the incident in two weeks, as it’s nonetheless analyzing proof from the practice and vehicles.

NTSB investigators have recognized and examined the rail automotive that initiated the derailment. Surveillance video from a residence confirmed what seems to be a wheel bearing within the closing stage of overheat failure moments earlier than the derailment. The wheelset from the suspected railcar has been collected as proof for metallurgical examination. The suspected overheated wheel bearing has been collected and might be examined by engineers from the NTSB Supplies Laboratory in Washington, D.C.

The tank vehicles are at the moment being decontaminated. As soon as the method is full, NTSB investigators will return to Ohio to finish an intensive examination of the tank vehicles.

The vinyl chloride tank automotive high fittings, together with the aid valves, have been eliminated and secured in a locked intermodal container pending an NTSB examination. As soon as the fittings are examined by NTSB investigators, they are going to be shipped to Texas for testing, which might be performed underneath the course of the NTSB.

In line with the press launch, the NTSB has obtained “locomotive occasion recorder information, forward- and inward-facing picture recording information and wayside defect detector information.”

*  *  *

Authored by Tom Ozimek by way of The Epoch Occasions (emphasis ours),

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has damaged his silence on the disastrous derailment of a practice in Ohio that launched a poisonous chemical, sparking well being considerations.

The fiery crash in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3 concerned about 50 vehicles, with some carrying hazardous supplies, together with the extremely flammable chemical vinyl chloride.

The damaging toxin was launched into the air from 5 of the derailed vehicles earlier than crews ignited it to eliminate the extremely flammable chemical in a managed vogue.

Space residents have been evacuated due to the well being dangers from the fumes, although they’ve since been allowed again to their houses.

Up to now, there have been stories from native residents of animals dying off, together with fish, chickens, and livestock.

Few federal officers have made public statements relating to the derailment and the poisonous fireplace, and Buttigieg didn’t reference the incident throughout a Feb. 13 look at the Nationwide Affiliation of Counties Legislative Convention in Washington.

‘Actively Engaged’

Throughout the on-stage dialogue, Buttigieg touched on matters like racial disparity and talked about the security dangers of “balloons,” drawing laughs from the viewers. However his avoidance of the subject of the derailment and the poisonous chemical launch didn’t go over effectively on social media, the place critics complained that he gave the impression to be dodging the topic.

Buttigieg broke his silence following the criticism, posting on Twitter a collection of statements.

“I proceed to be involved concerning the impacts of the Feb 3 practice derailment close to East Palestine, OH, and the consequences on households within the ten days since their lives have been upended via no fault of their very own,” he stated in a put up on Twitter.

USDOT has been supporting the investigation led by The Nationwide Transportation Security Board (NTSB). Our Federal Rail Administration and Pipelines and Hazardous Supplies groups have been onsite inside hours of the preliminary incident and proceed to be actively engaged.

— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) February 14, 2023

He made reference to an investigation into the accident being performed by the Nationwide Transportation Security Board (NTSB), noting that the Division of Transportation (DOT) was helping with the probe.

“Our Federal Rail Administration and Pipelines and Hazardous Supplies groups have been onsite inside hours of the preliminary incident and proceed to be actively engaged,” he stated.

“We are going to look to those investigation outcomes & based mostly on them, use all related authorities to make sure accountability and proceed to assist security,” Buttigieg continued.

As The American Prospect additionally stories, in a non-public Fb group, East Palestine residents have shared anecdotes of continued lung irritation, complications, and extra.

Over the weekend, a number of residents posted pictures of their youngsters affected by rashes unfold alongside their arms and faces. Others have described their houses as lined in residue, even after cleansing providers have been employed, suggesting that regardless of the discover that it was protected to return, residue from the accident stays within the air. Contained in the group, they’re urging one another to maintain meticulous documentation for any future motion in opposition to Norfolk Southern…

…In opposition to this backdrop, a blighted panorama stays.

Advocacy teams have urged residents to name upon Gov. DeWine to request an emergency declaration from President Biden. At time of publication, an emergency has not been declared, leaving residents alone to try piecing their lives again collectively.

In the meantime, a West Virginia water utility has enhanced its water therapy course of as a precaution following the derailment.

West Virginia American Water stated Sunday that there hasn’t been any change in uncooked water at its Ohio River consumption.

“The well being and security of our clients is a precedence, and there are at the moment no consuming water advisories in place for patrons,” the corporate stated in an announcement.

It added that it’s planning to put in a secondary consumption on the Guyandotte River in case there’s a necessity to change to an alternate water supply.

Learn extra right here…