Toxic chemicals released from Ohio train derailment to reduce explosion risk

After a controlled gas release was conducted at the derailed train in East Palestine, Ohio, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is advising residents in a 2-mile radius to shelter in place.

According to Shapiro, this recommendation was made out of an abundance of caution as the nighttime atmosphere can make the gas spread over a larger area. Residents located within 2 miles of the derailment are being advised to keep their windows and doors closed as well.

"Atmospheric conditions are favorable to spread at night, so we wanted to make this recommendation based on the best available data from our experts in the field and based on what we know can occur in the evening hours," Shapiro said. "I want to encourage everyone to remain vigilant and follow the guidance of state and local emergency response personnel."

Crews conducted the controlled release of the gas earlier in the day, which created a large black plume that rose to the sky. Officials say that this process went according to plan and has not had any immediate effects on the surrounding environment.

"I know it was alarming to see the big plume of smoke in the fire, but I want to reassure Pennsylvanians that the process is proceeding as planned," Shapiro said. "The EPA is working with our Department of Environmental Protection to continue monitoring the air and water quality closely. Thus far, no concerning readings have been detected."

—

UPDATE: Authorities in Ohio will release toxic chemicals from five of the train cars involved in the derailment in East Palestine to reduce the risk of an explosion.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said a controlled release of the vinyl chloride will take place at 3:30 p.m. Monday and any residents remaining in the one-mile area surrounding the accident are ordered to evacuate to avoid the risk of death or serious injuries from the chemicals. Officials from Norfolk Southern Railway estimate that the controlled release could last one to three hours.

According to Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro, there are 22 Beaver County residents inside of the 1-mile evacuation area and the 10 residents remaining in the region have been notified of the evacuation by state police.

More on the chemicals involved: Regulators monitoring air, water after East Palestine train derailment

"If you are within this evacuation zone, please evacuate immediately," Shapiro said. "I want you to know if I were there right now, if the First Lady and our children were there right now, we would evacuate and we would leave this area. It is potentially too dangerous. Anyone in this area is in danger and it's imperative to please leave immediately."

Shapiro also advised any residents living beyond the evacuation zone, in areas along State Line Road, Valley Road and Taggart Road, to shelter in place. These residents should also be ready to evacuate if safety officials deem it necessary to leave the area.

Residents with evacuation questions are advised to call 330-457-0733. If residents need assistance in evacuating, they are encouraged to call the state police Beaver Barracks at 724-773-7400.

Shapiro has announced plans for another update on the situation later this evening.

__

DARLINGTON TWP. – After the crash of a train caused a massive chemical fire in Ohio Friday evening, a small amount of Beaver County residents were asked to evacuate their homes to ensure their safety.

The incident occurred after a Norfolk Southern train derailed in the village of East Palestine around 9 p.m. Feb. 3, which caused some of the cars carrying chemicals to light on fire. Officials have been working to monitor the situation, but an evacuation was ordered to protect any nearby residents from shrapnel and toxic chemicals that may enter the air if one of the train cars explodes.

More on the incident: Officials urge evacuation near Ohio derailment, fearing explosion

Beaver County Emergency Services confirmed that the current evacuation order is for 1 mile around the crash site, which has affected a small number of residents in Darlington Township who live along Taggart Road. Members of the Darlington Volunteer Fire Department went door to door on Sunday night to inform the affected residents of the evacuation order and direct them to the emergency shelter at the East Palestine Junior and Senior Highschool.

The Western Beaver School District announced it would be releasing students early on Monday at the request of agencies working near the derailment site. Students from the senior and junior high schools were dismissed at noon and students from Fairview Elementary School were dismissed at 12:45 p.m. All after-school activities have been canceled.

The Blackhawk School District also announced via Facebook on Monday that students would have an early dismissal on Monday afternoon, with dismissals beginning at 12:15 p.m. from the high school. Earlier in the day, the school district announced that all absences will also be considered excused.

Buses will transport students to their homes, but officials said that families that reside in residential areas affected by transportation restrictions will be required to pick up their children from the school district. After 3 p.m., all students remaining in school buildings will be transported to the high school for pick up. All evening activities have been canceled due to the early dismissal as well.

Roads affected by emergency response: Multiple roads in Beaver County closed following train derailment in East Palestine

Officials note that misinformation is being spread rapidly on social media, such as false reports of an increased evacuation area of 5 miles. For up-to-date information on the emergency response, residents are encouraged to call 2-1-1 with any questions or follow updates from reputable media organizations.

Nearly half of the residents in East Palestine were told to evacuate the village after Ohio's governor, Mike DeWine, released a statement about "a drastic temperature change" in one of the train cars. According to the Akron Beacon Journal, local officials told reporters 500 of the village's residents had declined to leave their homes.

More: Gov. Mike DeWine urges residents to evacuate after train derailment; explosion possible

During the initial outbreak of the fire Friday night, various volunteers from Beaver County's fire departments rushed to the scene to assist in containing the spread of the flames. According to volunteers from Darlington Township, crews were advised to pull out of the scene around 5:30 a.m. Saturday and local crews have been on standby to assist with any other necessary fire suppression.

As of Monday morning, no injuries or death have been reported from the crash.

This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: East Palestine derailment causes some evacuations in Darlington Twp.