One of the largest US railroad companies is facing lawsuits and mounting anger after a train carrying hazardous materials derailed in a rural community in Ohio earlier this month.
The derailment of the Norfolk Southern train forced the evacuation of up to 2,000 people, killed thousands of fish in nearby waterways and prompted fears among residents that it was not safe to return to their homes. The company is facing criticism for its handling of the event, including skipping a town-hall meeting on Wednesday. Residents have filed a class-action lawsuit against the company alleging negligence. At the same time, misinformation about the accident has spread through social media.
There are approximately 1,700 train derailments in the US each year, most unnoticed because they cause little harm, said Anthony Hatch, an independent railroad industry analyst. But Norfolk Southern’s detour from the business pages to the front page has damaged the railroad and the wider industry.