EAST PALESTINE, Ohio (WKBN) — A press conference regarding the most recent updates in regard to the East Palestine train derailment was held Sunday at 3:30 p.m.
The conference was set at the East Palestine Municipal Offices and hosted by National Transportation Safety Board Member Michael Graham.
In Sunday’s conference, Graham said he cannot give an update as to when the situation will be clear since it is still an active scene.
In a press conference held Saturday at 5 p.m. with video below, Graham stated that while the area remains an active fire scene, the fire has reduced in intensity.
He said 20 of 50 cars involved in the derailment contained hazardous materials.
Four of the cars containing vinyl chloride were exposed to fire, and one of them, “is releasing the contents of the car through a pressure relief device as designed,” according to Graham.
They are working to determine which hazardous material cars, if any, have been breached. The EPA and NTSB are continuing to monitor the air quality.
The locomotives were equipped with forward-facing image recorders and event data recorders that will assist investigators in determining the cause of the incident. Investigative partners include the Federal Rail Administration, Norfolk Southern, SMART Union and local first responders.
At this time Graham stated they are unaware of any injuries to the train crew, first responders or members of the community.
Graham stated a preliminary report of the incident will be available within 4-6 weeks while a full NTSB report will last 18-24 months before a final report is released.