A new lawsuit has been filed in the aftermath of the 2023 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, alleging that at least seven people have died as a result. The lawsuit involves 744 current and former residents from the area and blames Norfolk Southern, the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state and county agencies, and other corporations associated with the crash, investigation, and cleanup. The derailment occurred on Feb. 3, 2023, and involved a freight train carrying hazardous materials, including vinyl chloride, a toxic, flammable gas that can cause certain cancers. The controlled release of gas was conducted on Feb. 6 to prevent an explosion. The disaster uprooted many from their homes and businesses, led to a major environmental cleanup, and sparked worries about long-term health effects. The lawsuit alleges that residents have not been told the “whole story” and raises concerns about the cleanup efforts led by Norfolk Southern. The lawsuit also lists the names and obituaries of the seven individuals who died as a result of the derailment, including a newborn. In addition to this new legal action, at least a dozen federal lawsuits have been filed against Norfolk Southern in the U.S. District Court of Northern District of Ohio in Youngstown since Jan. 30, with claims from businesses and residents. Norfolk Southern also faces accusations of influencing Ohio state officials and candidates with contributions.
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