(File Photo: Source for Photo: A view of the scene Feb. 24, 2023, as the cleanup continues at the site of of a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment that happened on Feb. 3 in East Palestine, Ohio. Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said Monday, March 6, 2023 that Norfolk Southern has pledged several million dollars to cover the cost of the response and recovery in Pennsylvania after last month’s derailment of a train carrying toxic chemicals just across the border in Ohio. (AP Photo/Matt Freed, file)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(East Palestine, OH) Today is the three-year anniversary of the massive Norfolk Southern train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio. Over three dozen freight cars of a train that was carrying hazardous materials derailed near East Palestine close to the Pennsylvania line. The derailment prompted an evacuation immediately and the intentional burning of toxic vinyl chloride that occurred three days later sent flames and acrid smoke in the air. There is a dashboard from Norfolk Southern called “Making It Right” which outlines several financial commitments, including a $600 million settlement reached in 2024. The company has also allocated funds of $115 million for support in the East Palestine community, as well as $25 million for a city park revitalization project, along with $22.2 million for direct assistance to local families.