AG Dave Yost sues Norfolk Southern

Ohio is suing Norfolk Southern Railway after one of its trains derailed in East Palestine with toxic chemicals on board, Attorney General Dave Yost announced Tuesday.

The eastbound freight train derailed and spilled hazardous materials into the air, water and soil on Feb. 3, rattling the small village of 4,700 in northeast Ohio. Five of the derailed cars contained vinyl chloride, which Norfolk Southern officials released to prevent an explosion.

The train went off the tracks moments after crew members became aware of an overheated wheel bearing and tried to stop, according to preliminary findings from the National Transportation Safety Board.

The wreck and subsequent controlled release of vinyl chloride temporarily forced people out of their homes. While state and federal officials say the air and municipal water are now safe, residents worry about the long-term health effects of the derailment.