A freight train derailment has occurred in Whitemarsh Township just north of Philadelphia, causing precautionary evacuations in the area after hazardous materials were found to be leaking. The 40-car CSX freight train derailed at approximately 4:50 am on Monday morning, with around 15 to 20 cars becoming dislodged from the tracks, according to helicopter footage. County emergency public safety workers are on site, alongside CSX and Norfolk Southern representatives. Governor Josh Shapiro is currently monitoring the situation and is assisting local responders.
This tragic event, coming in the aftermath of the Ohio train derailment in February that spilled harmful chemicals into the environment, raises important questions about safety regulations within the industry. The cause of this incident is believed to be weather-related, once again highlighting the ramifications of climate change.
🇺🇸Train carrying hazardous materials derails n #MontgomeryCounty, #Pennsylvania. Home evacuation is underway#trainaccident #derail #BREAKING #BreakingNews #collapse #environment pic.twitter.com/a9l7AU58Sh
— Attentive Media (@AttentiveCEE) July 17, 2023
Furthermore, the hazardous materials leaking from the overturned train pose a major risk to local residents and businesses in the surrounding area. Although it is currently unknown which chemicals are present, it is clear that a thorough investigation must be conducted to determine the full extent of the damage caused.
Residents who were evacuated during the incident are already experiencing negative health effects, including trouble breathing, headaches, and damage to their voices. Alarmingly, animals in the area have also been affected, with thousands of fish dying as a direct result of the derailment.
This latest incident adds to a string of other Norfolk Southern derailments, which have in turn prompted Congress to ask Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw to testify before Congress. During his testimony, Shaw failed to commit to lobbying for improved safety regulations, putting profits over people’s safety.
The National Transportation Safety Board has since launched a special investigation into Norfolk Southern in the wake of these incidents, but the results have yet to be seen. The impact of the Ohio derailment on local residents and the environment highlights the urgent need for better safety regulations and accountability within the industry.
This must act as a wake-up call to lawmakers and industry leaders, and immediate action must be taken to prevent further incidents with potentially devastating consequences. We cannot continue to prioritize profits over people’s safety and the health of our communities.
