Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine
In this gripping limited series podcast, "Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine," we delve into the harrowing tale of a toxic Norfolk Southern train derailment that shook the small town of East Palestine and its surrounding communities. Through in-depth interviews, firsthand accounts, and expert analysis, we uncover the devastating effects of the derailment and the industry-wide negligence that led to this catastrophic event. Our journey takes us through the rail industry's consolidation, exposing the startling lack of safety regulations that have paved the way for disasters like the East Palestine derailment. We also examine the controversial decision to burn not one, but five rail cars full of vinyl chloride, resulting in a toxic plume that hovered over multiple counties in Ohio and Pennsylvania. As one HAZMAT specialist chillingly puts it, "We basically nuked a town with chemicals so we could get a railroad open." Join us as we navigate the complex world of corporate greed, regulatory shortcomings, and environmental disaster, all woven together in this heart-wrenching tale of a community in crisis. "Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine" is an eye-opening investigation into the dark underbelly of the rail industry and the dire consequences that befall the innocent when corners are cut, and profits are prioritized. Don't miss a single episode of this must-listen series.
Episodes
The creators of "Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine" share their thoughts about the town's current state and residents still fighting for clear answers. With introspection and frustration, they share their emotional journey telling this story, and making sure East Palestine, Ohio, isn't forgotten. And to be clear -- the story isn't over.
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We talk to Jessica Conard who is an East Palestine resident leading the charge in the community for Justice for East Palestine -- a team of attorneys, Erin Brokovich, medical & scientific experts, and community members. We also speak with Misti Allison who teamed up with Jessica Conard during a visit to Washington, D.C. where they spoke to Congress shortly following the derailment.
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Residents of East Palestine, OH experienced acute symptoms such as headaches, sore throats, persistent coughing, and nausea. And, now, fear of increased rates of cancer in the decades to come after possible exposure to vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, isobutylene, and dioxins.
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From the air to the water, the question remains -- are residents safe? The EPA claims that the air and water are safe. An independent researcher and professor at Purdue University says his results show a different story. How will the toxic chemicals affect surrounding watersheds including private wells?
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We focus on the railroad industry's practices and the de-regulation that has led to a lack of safety measures within the industry. We talk to a former railroad worker who blew the whistle on Union Pacific, and the author of Bomb Trains which highlights the derailment of a train in Lac-Megantic, a small town in Quebec, Canada in 2013 that killed 47 people.
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We talk to Bill & Margery Slavik who were forced to evacuate from their East Palestine home on the night of the derailment and the subsequent 'controlled burn' of five rail cars carrying toxic chemicals.
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Josh Miely hosts and interviews multimedia journalists producing the podcast, Jarid Watson & Priscilla Watson in a short introduction episode. It includes why Jarid & Priscilla were inspired to amplify the voices of East Palestine, OH residents following the train derailment on February 3, 2023.
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On the night of Feb. 3, 2023, nearly 40 rail cars on a train traveling through Ohio to Pennsylvania derailed at 8:54 PM local time. East Palestine residents Bill and Marjorie Slavik couldn’t believe what was happening in their small community. Flames shot into the sky as first responders attempted to battle the impossible blaze. The days that followed changed the town forever.
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