Railroads must provide details of hazardous cargo immediately after a derailment under new rule

Published June 24, 2024 5:03 AM

By JOSH FUNK
Associated Press

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new federal rule aims to ensure first responders can find out what hazardous chemicals are on a train after a derailment, so they can respond appropriately. The rule was finalized Monday. Firefighters responding to last year’s fiery Norfolk Southern derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, risked their lives trying to extinguish a blaze without knowing the right way to respond. The local East Palestine fire chief said it took 45 minutes for him to learn exactly what was on that train. A federal official says those running towards a fire need to know the unique risks they face, so they can have the right gear and evacuate everyone in danger.

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