U.S. NewsDERAILED: Disaster in East Palestine

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Norfolk Southern train derails hours before congressional hearing

Approximately 30 cars derailed, but officials said there were no injuries or signs of chemical leaks.
Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw
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A Norfolk Southern train derailed in Alabama on Thursday, officials said. 

According to the Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency, approximately 30 cars derailed in the White Plains area around 6:45 a.m. 

No injuries or chemical leaks were reported. 

The derailment happened just hours before Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw appeared before lawmakers to answer questions about the incident in East Palestine, Ohio. A train derailment and chemical leak on Feb. 3 have left many residents worried about their health. 

Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan Shaw

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In his opening statement, Shaw apologized for the derailment in East Palestine. 

"I want to state again how deeply sorry we are for the impact of this derailment on East Palestine, surrounding communities and all of the people who have been affected," Shaw said in prepared remarks. "We are making progress in the recovery and know our work is not yet done."

Shaw also pledged to improve safety to prevent derailments. At least three Norfolk Southern trains have been involved in major derailments in the last two months. Two of them occurred in Ohio. 

According to the Federal Railroad Administration, there were more than 1,000 train derailments in 2022. 

A Norfolk Southern freight train waits to pass through East Palenstine, Pa., Thursday, Feb. 9, 2023, where cleanup continues

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