East Palestine Train Derailment Explained

On the evening of Friday, February 3, 2023, the world was shaken by a catastrophic event. A Norfolk Southern Railway freight train, a symbol of modern engineering and efficiency, derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. This incident, involving 38 out of 149 cars, set off a chain of events that would leave us questioning the safety of transporting hazardous materials and the power of rail giants.

In the midst of the ensuing chaos, as political headlines raged and fingers pointed in all directions, we seemed to lose sight of the core story, the story of what truly happened. In this article, we'll dive deep into the East Palestine Train Derailment, exploring the fascinating world of freight trains and the critical role they play in our lives.

Freight Trains: The Workhorses of Modern Society

Take a moment to look around you, and you'll realize the profound influence of freight trains on our daily lives. From the raw materials used in construction to the finished products on our store shelves, nearly everything we see has, at some point, traveled on these iron behemoths. What makes freight trains indispensable is their unparalleled efficiency in moving vast quantities of cargo across land.

The secret to their efficiency lies in their design – steel wheels on steel rails experience minimal friction, especially when compared to rubber tires on asphalt. Locomotives, despite their colossal appearance, are surprisingly efficient, and the sheer size of the trains they haul is nothing short of remarkable.

But with such colossal loads, monitoring the condition of every car is an impossibility for the train crew. A rear-view mirror won't help when part of your "vehicle" is half an hour's walk behind you. Modern railways have replaced the traditional caboose with wayside defect detectors – computerized systems that continuously monitor passing trains and transmit real-time data to the crew. These detectors check for various issues, including overheating axles and bearings, which can lead to derailments or damage.

The Fateful Journey of Train 32N

Train 32N, the ill-fated freight train in question, passed several defect detectors along its route. The suspected wheel bearing responsible for the derailment began to exhibit concerning signs. At one point, it registered a temperature of 38 degrees Fahrenheit above the ambient temperature. Ten miles later, the temperature had soared to 103 degrees above ambient, yet it was still below the threshold for triggering a train stop.

Twenty miles down the line, the situation took a critical turn. The defect detector recorded the bearing's temperature at a staggering 253 degrees above ambient, well beyond the 200-degree threshold, and an alarm instructed the crew to stop the train. However, it was too late.

As a fail-safe measure, freight trains are equipped with a compressed air-powered braking system. If there's a rupture in the air line connecting the cars, which happens during a derailment, the brakes engage on every car. This is exactly what occurred after the defect detector alerted the crew to the problem. They applied the brakes, but before they could come to a controlled stop, the train's emergency braking system activated, leading to the inevitable.

A security camera captured the pivotal moments just before the derailment, showing sparks from the failing car. The crew, realizing the severity of the situation, took immediate action to limit the damage. They applied handbrakes to the front railcars, uncoupled, and moved the locomotives and themselves away from the impending disaster.

The Unfolding Crisis: Burning Vinyl Chloride

Train 32N comprised 2 locomotives, a locomotive in the center, and 149 railcars. Tragically, 38 of these cars derailed, forming a burning pile of steel and cargo. Eleven of these cars carried hazardous materials, including isobutylene, benzene, and vinyl chloride. This unleashed an environmental nightmare and a series of emergency responses.

Local firefighters and responders worked tirelessly to put out the fires and mitigate immediate threats from the derailed cars. Still, concerns loomed regarding the five derailed cars transporting vinyl chloride. Rising temperatures within these cars led authorities to fear an uncontrollable explosion.

The cars carrying vinyl chloride were DOT-105 tank cars, built to stringent Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements. However, during the ordeal, it became apparent that aluminum hatches covering the valves had melted, obstructing the relief valves' operation. The temperature continued to rise, prompting the need for a drastic measure.

In a calculated move, the Ohio National Guard and the Federal Emergency Management Agency decided to perform a controlled release of the chemical, avoiding a potential explosion. Atmospheric models were run to estimate the plume's extent, aiding in evacuating the likely affected areas. A trench was dug, the vinyl chloride tanks were vented, and the chemical was set ablaze to burn off.

The Aftermath: Questions and Consequences

The controlled burn brought relief, but it also raised questions. Why did the tank cars, fitted with pressure relief devices, require such a measure? While the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is still working on its full report, early findings indicate that the aluminum hatches on some of the cars may have obstructed the relief valves.

The disaster left a profound impact on the residents of East Palestine, who now face an uncertain future. While initial testing suggests safety and health concerns are low, the psychological toll of living near such an incident is undeniable. Additionally, the economic fallout, including the perception of contamination, has repercussions for property values and local businesses.

The cleanup operation is an ongoing challenge, involving extensive testing of air, water, and soil, along with the disposal of large volumes of contaminated materials. The incident has also spurred policy discussions among various agencies, with the NTSB investigating Norfolk Southern's safety culture and practices.

The East Palestine Train Derailment is a stark reminder of the complexity and importance of the railway industry, which moves vast quantities of materials and chemicals safely, for the most part. While accidents like this are rare, the question remains: can more be done to prevent them? The incident is likely to bring about changes in safety regulations, ensuring that such disasters are minimized if not eliminated.

Despite the tragedy, freight rail remains a critical component of our society. It's the most feasible method for transporting the massive volumes of materials required for industries worldwide. The rail industry, however, is unique and dominated by a small number of powerful players. The aftermath of this disaster is likely to reshape the way railroading is conducted in America for years to come, with an emphasis on enhancing safety and environmental protection.

In conclusion, the East Palestine Train Derailment was a catastrophic event that stirred up questions about safety, regulations, and the future of the railway industry in the United States. It serves as a reminder of the challenges and responsibilities that come with moving hazardous materials and the importance of continuously improving safety measures in the industry. The incident has also highlighted the resilience and adaptability of the affected community and the need for ongoing support and monitoring.