Detroit Train Wreck
On February 16, 2023, a train transporting hazardous materials derailed in suburban Detroit near Huron River Drive. Let’s explore the details of the news with Ehline Law and our personal injury attorneys.
Norfolk Southern Train Carrying Hazardous Materials in Michigan Derails in Van Buren Township Raises Concerns
At around 8:45 AM, a Norfolk Southern Railway derailed near Huron River Drive, west of Detroit, about 30 miles west of downtown Detroit, in Van Buren Township.
According to the Van Buren Fire Department, two dozen of the train cars derailed off the tracks, causing serious damage to the tracks and the wheels of the detached cars.
No Signs of Exposed Hazardous Materials, Injuries, or Casualties, Michigan Authorities State
Michigan authorities immediately sprang into action to investigate the initial damage and reported no signs of exposed hazardous materials or damages to the car carrying hazardous material.
In a press conference, the Van Buren Township Public Safety Department stated that no injuries or casualties arose from the Detroit train wreck.
According to the Michigan Department of Environment, one of the train cars contained agricultural grain, while the other derailed cars were empty. The train car carrying hazardous material remains safe and undamaged.
EPA Officials Scramble to Van Buren Township to Carry out Tests
The democratic representative of the Van Buren Township, Representative Debbie Dingell, stated that there was no release of toxic chemicals following the train derailment and any train cars carrying hazardous materials were put upright.
According to Dingell, the Environmental Protection Agency is taking note of the situation. It has already dispatched its investigators to conduct an environmental assessment and tests on the train carrying hazardous materials to ensure the safety of people in and around Van Buren Township.
Norfolk Southern Railway in Hot Waters after Second Incident in Two Weeks
The Detroit Thursday morning train derailment comes two weeks after another train derailment in Ohio that continues to cause severe damage to the environment and spread concerns among the residents. The hazardous chemicals burned following the Ohio train derailment included many toxic materials, including vinyl chloride, known to cause cancer and other respiratory illnesses.
The freight train derailments point fingers at Norfolk Southern train company, with investigators and officials hinting at corporate greed and extreme negligence on behalf of the railroad company’s management. The derailment in Van Buren Township strengthens the allegations of negligence against the company following the freight train derailment in East Palestine.
Alan Shaw, president and chief executive of Norfolk Southern, wrote a letter to residents stating that he would ensure public safety following the release of hazardous chemicals and help recover East Palestine, Ohio.
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So far, the impact of both train derailments on the residents and the environment is unclear as there is currently no evidence of exposed hazardous substances. We’ve seen firsthand how veterans continue to suffer from service-related cancer and other medical illnesses due to exposure to toxic chemicals.
If you’re suffering from work-related injuries or illnesses, contact us at (833) LETS-SUE for a free consultation, as you may be able to seek compensation.
