WASHINGTON, D.C. – In a recent Senate hearing, National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy disclosed potentially crucial information regarding the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment and subsequent chemical explosion. Under questioning from Senator JD Vance (R-OH), Ms. Homendy revealed that the controversial “vent and burn” procedure utilized on five vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) tank cars may not have been necessary.
The disclosure comes months after the February 2023 derailment, which sparked a fire and prompted evacuations due to concerns over hazardous materials. Two days following the incident, officials authorized a “vent and burn” operation on five VCM tank cars, releasing controlled amounts of the chemical to prevent a potentially catastrophic explosion.
However, Ms. Homendy’s testimony raises concerns about the decision-making process behind the operation. According to the NTSB findings, the recommendation for the “vent and burn” from Norfolk Southern’s contractors allegedly lacked sufficient scientific backing, disregarded available temperature data, and conflicted with advice from relevant experts.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that local authorities who made the final call on the operation may not have been fully informed of key details. Critical information that could have influenced the decision-making process was reportedly not conveyed to them, potentially leading to a different course of action.
These revelations are likely to spark further debate and scrutiny surrounding the East Palestine incident. Concerns about transparency, expert advice being disregarded, and potential lapses in communication are likely to remain central to ongoing investigations and discussions.
Watch the video of the back and forth-with Senator Vance and the NTSB Chair during the hearing
