Swindled 121. The Derailment (East Palestine, OH)
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Mar 2, 2025 A train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, reveals a dark tale of corporate greed and environmental disaster. The chaos post-incident raises urgent questions about safety and trust, as affected residents face health risks from toxic leaks. Community resilience shines through as they navigate misinformation and legal battles, demanding transparency. Meanwhile, Norfolk Southern's profit-driven practices come under fire, showcasing a troubling disconnect between success and safety concerns. As the town reflects on a year of recovery, the quest for better regulations remains critical.
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Paulsboro Derailment
- A 2012 Paulsboro, NJ train derailment spilled vinyl chloride, causing evacuations and health concerns.
- The incident highlighted failures in communication, emergency response, and long-term health monitoring.
Rail Industry Self-Regulation
- The rail industry, uniquely, owns and maintains its infrastructure, creating potential conflicts of interest.
- Proposed safety regulations after Paulsboro gained bipartisan support but failed due to industry lobbying.
Precision Scheduled Railroading
- Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) prioritizes efficiency and profits over safety and worker well-being.
- This strategy led to longer trains, less maintenance, and increased accident rates, exemplified by Norfolk Southern.