(HARRISBURG)
At a press conference Tuesday evening in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro provided an update regarding the state’s actions and reactions to the train derailment and subsequent events that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio on February 3.

Shapiro stated that Norfolk Southern “carried out the recommended course of action” of a controlled explosion with the intent to burn out the vinyl chloride into the air. The reaction to the controlled explosion was a thick black smoke that emerged over East Palestine and northern Beaver County during the early evening hours.

“I know it was alarming to see the big plume of smoke and the fire,” Shapiro stated. “But I want to reassure Pennsylvanians that the process is proceeding as planned. 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. We will continue to monitor as long as we need to, throughout the night and into the day time, and beyond.”

The governor encouraged anyone with questions or concerns regarding shelter to call the Beaver County Emergency Inquiry Line at 724-773-6767.

Shapiro thanked PEMA, the DEP, the Pennsylvania State Police, and local first responders for their efforts during the course of the last several day, as well as those working on the scene in Ohio. He also thanked Ohio governor Mike DeWine for coordination and communication during this time, and President Joe Biden for reaching out to him in regards to the ongoing situation.

(Photo courtesy of Commonwealth Media Services)