Two weeks after toxic chemicals burned on a derailed train, Ohio residents fear for their safety. Here's what we know about the crash.

Aidan PollardFeb 20, 2023, 01:53 IST

Smoke rises from a derailed cargo train in East Palestine, Ohio, on February 4, 2023. The train accident sparked a massive fire and evacuation orders.DUSTIN FRANZ/AFP via Getty Images

A train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio this month, leading to the release of toxic chemicals.
Some of the chemicals were released on purpose in a controlled burn.

Residents of a small town are fearing for their futures, after toxic chemicals from a derailed train were burned in East Palestine, Ohio this month.

Officials executed a "controlled burn" of vinyl chloride — a known carcinogen — that was being transported through Ohio after a train carrying the chemicals was derailed on Feb. 3, NPR reported. The burn occurred after some of the derailed cars already ignited due to the crash, the Washington Post reported.

About 1,500 residents — more than a quarter of the population of East Palestine — were evacuated during the burn, according to the Post.

But questions and concerns remain. Here's the latest on the East Palestine derailment and fire, including the aftermath and resident reactions.

The derailed train belonged to Norfolk Southern Railway, and held about 150 cars.

Norfolk Southern Railway train passes through East PalestineGene J. Puskar/AP

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in a press conference this week said the locomotive was not flagged as a high hazardous materials train, according to CNN.

Officials continue to conduct operation and inspect the area after the train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, United States on February 17, 2023. The train derailment happened on Feb. 3 in which 38 cars derailed, including 11 containing hazardous materials, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate for several days.US Environmental Protection Agency/Handout/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images

Toxic chemicals were burned and released into the air, water, and soil.

A dark plume of smoke rises from a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, that leaked toxic chemicals.AP

The Environmental Protection Agency has since said the air in East Palestine is safe to breathe, according to the Post.

Balloons are placed next to a sign displaying information for residents to receive air-quality tests from Norfolk Southern Railway on February 16, 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio. On February 3rd, a Norfolk Southern Railways train carrying toxic chemicals derailed causing an environmental disaster.Michael Swensen/Getty Images

But the agency was still conducting tests of water, soil, and air as of Wednesday, according to CNN.

An air quality monitor hangs on a stop sign near the site of a train derailment prompting health concerns on February 17, 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio. On February 3rd, a Norfolk Southern Railways train carrying toxic chemicals derailed causing an environmental disaster. Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate after the area was placed under a state of emergency and temporary evacuation orders.Michael Swensen/Getty Images

Gov. DeWine, however, tweeted Wednesday that the water in East Palestine is now safe to drink.

Dean Logan, a worker at Pepsi, delivers cases of water for volunteers to distribute to residents on February 17, 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio. On February 3rd, a Norfolk Southern Railways train carrying toxic chemicals derailed causing an environmental disaster. Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate after the area was placed under a state of emergency and temporary evacuation orders.Michael Swensen/Getty Images

Norfolk Southern has promised to clean up.

A train derailed near East Palestine, Ohio over the weekend.Gene J. Puskar/AP

Since the crash and resulting fires, Norfolk Southern has offered financial support to East Palestine, setting up a $1 million charitable fund for the town, the Post reported.

Neil Figley, 28, holds his daughter, Harlie, 4, wait in line at the Norfolk Southern Assistance Center to collect a $1000 check and get reimbursed for expenses while they were evacuated following a train derailment prompting health concerns on February 17, 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio. On February 3rd, a Norfolk Southern Railways train carrying toxic chemicals derailed causing an environmental disaster. Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate after the area was placed under a state of emergency and temporary evacuation orders.Michael Swensen/Getty Images

Since the crash and resulting fires, Norfolk Southern has offered financial support to East Palestine, setting up a $1 million charitable fund for the town, the Post reported.

Additionally, Norfolk Southern said it paid more than $1.5 million to about 1,000 families who were displaced following the derailment, according to the Post.

Residents receive $1000 checks and reimbursements for evacuation expenses from employees of Norfolk Southern on February 17, 2023 in New Waterford, Ohio. On February 3rd, a Norfolk Southern Railways train carrying toxic chemicals derailed causing an environmental disaster. Thousands of residents were ordered to evacuate after the area was placed under a state of emergency and temporary evacuation orders.Michael Swensen/Getty Images

Still, residents are worried about the future.

Hundreds of East Palestine residents attended the town hall meeting at a local gym.Gene J. Puskar/AP

According to CNN, the EPA found that chemicals were spilled into waterways leading to the Ohio river, but were contained and low in concentration.

A clean-up crew works alongside a stream as clean-up efforts continue on February 16, 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio. On February 3rd, a Norfolk Southern Railways train carrying toxic chemicals derailed causing an environmental disaster.Michael Swensen/Getty Images

For some in East Palestine, the disaster hits a little too close to home.

Residents of East Palestine dine at Sprinklz on Top on February 16, 2023 in East Palestine, Ohio. On February 3rd, a Norfolk Southern Railways train carrying toxic chemicals derailed causing an environmental disaster.Michael Swensen/Getty Images

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Two weeks after toxic chemicals burned on a derailed train, Ohio residents fear for their safety. Here's what we know about the crash.

The derailed train belonged to Norfolk Southern Railway, and held about 150 cars.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine in a press conference this week said the locomotive was not flagged as a high hazardous materials train, according to CNN.

Toxic chemicals were burned and released into the air, water, and soil.

The Environmental Protection Agency has since said the air in East Palestine is safe to breathe, according to the Post.

But the agency was still conducting tests of water, soil, and air as of Wednesday, according to CNN.

Gov. DeWine, however, tweeted Wednesday that the water in East Palestine is now safe to drink.

Norfolk Southern has promised to clean up.

Since the crash and resulting fires, Norfolk Southern has offered financial support to East Palestine, setting up a $1 million charitable fund for the town, the Post reported.

Additionally, Norfolk Southern said it paid more than $1.5 million to about 1,000 families who were displaced following the derailment, according to the Post.

Still, residents are worried about the future.

According to CNN, the EPA found that chemicals were spilled into waterways leading to the Ohio river, but were contained and low in concentration.

For some in East Palestine, the disaster hits a little too close to home.