DOJ sues Norfolk Southern following toxic train derailment in East Palestine

EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WOIO) - The United Stated Department of Justice (DOJ) this week filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern following February’s toxic train derailment in East Palestine.

The lawsuit was filed, along with the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio on Thursday.

The lawsuit comes following the Feb. 3 train derailment, along with its subsequent controlled release of the toxic vinyl chloride on Feb. 6.

When a Norfolk Southern train derailed last month in East Palestine, Ohio, it released toxins into the air, soil, and water, endangering the health and safety of people in surrounding communities. With this complaint, the Justice Department and the EPA are acting to pursue justice for the residents of East Palestine and ensure that Norfolk Southern carries the financial burden for the harm it has caused and continues to inflict on the community.
Merrick B. Garland, United States Attorney General

The lawsuit alleges Norfolk Southern unlawfully polluted the nation’s waterways when the hazardous materials were released from the derailed train cars. This allegation, according to court records, falls under a violation of the Clean Water Act.

19 News has obtained a copy of the lawsuit filed against Norfolk Southern, which can be viewed in full below:

The federal lawsuit also comes after Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost filed a similar lawsuit against Norfolk Southern, holding the Virginia-based railroad company liable for the derailment and the associated damages.

19 News obtained evidence submitted in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio, which can be viewed in full below.

19 News has reached out to Norfolk Southern for comment.