Lawless Planet: The “Bomb Train” That Devastated an Ohio Town
Hosted by Zach Goldbaum, Wondery's "Lawless Planet" delves into the intricate web of environmental crimes and crises shaping our world. In the episode titled "The 'Bomb Train' That Devastated an Ohio Town," Goldbaum unpacks a catastrophic train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, exploring its causes, aftermath, and broader implications for environmental safety and regulatory oversight.
1. Introduction: Echoes of Past Disasters
The episode opens with a recounting of a previous train derailment in Paulsboro, New Jersey, from November 30, 2012. Gary Stevenson, Paulsboro's deputy fire chief, responds to a derailment involving vinyl chloride—a deadly carcinogen. Despite multiple warnings about faulty infrastructure, the railroad company's negligence leads to a massive chemical spill, resulting in significant health impacts for the town's 700 residents.
Notable Quote:
Gary Stevenson: "We call things accidents. There is no accident. This was 100% prevent." [04:45]
2. Transition to East Palestine, Ohio
Goldbaum draws parallels between the Paulsboro incident and a similar, yet more devastating, derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, nearly a decade later. Both incidents involve the same railroad company and hazardous chemicals, underscoring systemic failures within the industry.
3. The East Palestine Derailment: A Detailed Account
On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train derails in East Palestine, Ohio. The train, nearly two miles long and carrying 115,580 gallons of vinyl chloride, experiences a wheel bearing fire that goes undetected due to faulty alarms. The derailment leads to an "accordion style" pile-up of 38 cars, prompting an emergency evacuation.
Notable Quote:
Zach Goldbaum: "Jake, wake up. We have to leave." [20:14]
4. Immediate Response and Decisions
Fire Chief Keith Drabik and his team are thrust into crisis management, facing the imminent threat of an explosion due to overheated vinyl chloride. Norfolk Southern proposes a controversial "vent and burn" method to prevent a catastrophic explosion, leading to the release of toxic chemicals into the atmosphere.
Notable Quote:
Keith Drabik: "If you can evacuate, they want everybody out of here." [14:22]
5. Community Impact and Personal Stories
Misty Allison, a resident of East Palestine, shares her harrowing experience during and after the derailment. Despite being outside the initial evacuation zone, Allison and her family face severe health symptoms from the chemical exposure, highlighting the broader, long-term effects on the community.
Notable Quote:
Misty Allison: "I honestly felt like we were just casualties in this situation and that Norfolk Southern was putting profits over people." [36:20]
6. Investigation and Findings: NTSB Report
Two years post-derailment, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) presents its findings. Chair Jennifer Homendy criticizes Norfolk Southern for obstructing the investigation, withholding crucial documents, and pressuring officials to defend their hazardous decision-making. The report links the accident to multiple failures, including outdated brake systems and poor maintenance practices.
Notable Quote:
Jennifer Homendy: "Norfolk Southern's abuse of the party process was unprecedented and reprehensible." [30:11]
7. Regulatory Failures and Industry Negligence
Goldbaum elucidates the historical context of regulatory setbacks. Despite previous recommendations for improved safety standards, railroad lobbying and political influence under the Trump administration led to the rollback of critical regulations, such as the implementation of new electronic brake systems.
Notable Quote:
Zach Goldbaum: "It's like asking what's the safest way to twirl a gun, but surely there's room to recalibrate." [36:45]
8. Political and Corporate Responses
The episode critiques the responses from political figures and Norfolk Southern. President Donald Trump's visit to East Palestine is portrayed as superficial, offering minimal support while simultaneously bolstering his re-election campaign. Norfolk Southern's swift resumption of train operations and attempts to destroy evidence further exacerbate community distrust.
Notable Quote:
Mike DeWine: "We're not getting any truth. They are not going to own up to what's going in there until they are forced to." [23:32]
9. Long-Term Consequences and Ongoing Struggles
Residents of East Palestine continue to grapple with health issues, environmental degradation, and economic hardships. The settlement of $600 million approved by a judge grants Norfolk Southern immunity from future claims, leaving many affected individuals without adequate recourse.
Notable Quote:
Zach Goldbaum: "East Palestine is not the first instance that a Norfolk Southern train or any other train has derailed in this nation and sadly is not going to be the last time." [36:45]
10. Advocacy and Moving Forward
Misty Allison emerges as a pivotal advocate, leading initiatives like "Mom's Clean Air Force" to push for stronger safety regulations and support affected families. Her testimony before the Senate underscores the urgent need for systemic changes to prevent future disasters.
Notable Quote:
Jennifer Homendy: "We must have strong businesses, but I urge all of you to support common sense safety regulations so this doesn’t happen again." [37:56]
11. Conclusion: A Call to Action
Goldbaum wraps up by highlighting the recurring nature of such environmental crises and the critical need for vigilant regulation and corporate accountability. The East Palestine derailment serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of industrial negligence and the ongoing battle to protect communities from similar fates.
Key Takeaways:
- Systemic Negligence: Repeated failures in rail safety regulations and corporate accountability have led to preventable disasters.
- Health and Environmental Impact: Communities near industrial operations are vulnerable to long-term health issues and environmental degradation.
- Advocacy and Change: Grassroots efforts and policy advocacy are essential in pushing for meaningful safety reforms.
Notable Quotes with Attribution:
- Gary Stevenson: "We call things accidents. There is no accident. This was 100% prevent." [04:45]
- Keith Drabik: "I don't trust anybody's right now." [23:39]
- Misty Allison: "I honestly felt like we were just casualties in this situation and that Norfolk Southern was putting profits over people." [36:20]
For those seeking to understand the intricate dynamics between industry practices, regulatory frameworks, and community well-being, this episode of "Lawless Planet" offers a comprehensive and compelling narrative.