Lucy Schaly/Post-Gazette

President Biden set to visit East Palestine for 1st time, more than a year after toxic train derailment

JORDAN ANDERSON
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
janderson@post-gazette.com
FEB 16, 2024 2:13 PM

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — After long anticipation from its reeling residents, President Joe Biden will visit this small Ohio village a year after a Norfolk Southern train derailed and spilled hazardous chemicals.

Mr. Biden plans to discuss ongoing government efforts to support recovery from the accident and hold the railroad company accountable. While in East Palestine, the president will receive a briefing from officials on the continuing response and meet with affected community members, according to the White House.

Mr. Biden is scheduled to arrive in Pittsburgh from Joint Base Andrews in Maryland just before 2:30 p.m., and travel to East Palestine from there.

On the evening of Feb. 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derailed. At least 11 rail cars contained hazardous materials, including a minimum 700,000 pounds of a toxic gas and liquid known as vinyl chloride. Some cars went up in flames and others spilled their toxic cargo.

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First Published February 16, 2024, 10:39am