COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — The White House announced that President Joe Biden plans to meet with citizens affected by the Norfolk Southern derailment in Ohio ahead of the one-year anniversary.
There is no specific date yet for the visit.
Last year on Feb. 3, a Norfolk Southern freight train carrying more than 50 cars derailed in East Palestine, causing a massive fire and releasing chemicals into the air and surrounding areas.
A few days later, the government blew up five more tank cars to prevent them from exploding. The chemical spill has left citizens with lingering concerns about its potential long-term effects.
This has led to calls for rail protections and stricter regulations, not only in Ohio, but also in the United States.
Biden said his administration would continue to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for cleaning up all infected soil and water and any environmental damage caused by the derailment in eastern Palestine. This includes reimbursing the federal government for the costs of intervention.