A Norfolk Southern train derailed in rural Alabama early Thursday, the fourth such derailment of a train by the freight carrier in more than a month and on the day the company's CEO testified in front of a Senate Committee.
Thursday's derailment occurred at 6:50 a.m. and involved about 37 cars. Norfolk Southern said the train was traveling from Atlanta west to Meridian, Mississippi. Calhoun County Sheriff Matthew Wade said no one was injured, and the train cars weren't carrying any hazardous materials.
"Everybody is safe,'' Wade said, according to AL.com. "They have already amassed a large crew of people, and they have cranes, and they are feverishly working."
It was the third derailment involving a Norfolk Southern train since Feb. 3, when a derailment and fire in East Palestine, Ohio, led to toxic chemicals being released into the environment.
On Feb. 16, a train carrying hazardous materials derailed west of Detroit, but none spilled and no one was injured.
On Saturday, 28 cars of a 212-car train derailed in Springfield, Ohio, causing a shelter-in-place order for residents who lived within 1,000 feet of the accident. But officials determined Sunday there was no direct threat to the public.
Later Thursday, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw testified before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works regarding the East Palestine derailment.
"I want to begin today by expressing how deeply sorry I am for the impact this derailment has had on the residents of East Palestine and surrounding communities," Shaw said in his opening remarks. "… I am determined to make this right. Norfolk Southern will clean the site safely, thoroughly, and with urgency. You have my personal commitment."
Shaw also pledged $20 million from the company to help the community recover. It is expected the company's total financial responsibility will run far beyond that after legal proceedings. The company is facing class-action lawsuits by residents.
On Monday, Norfolk Southern announced plans to improve the use of detectors placed along railroad tracks to spot overheating bearings and other problems. It is believed overheating bearings on a rail car caused the derailment in East Palestine.
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