When Catastrophe Came to East Palestine

The Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern train derailment in the small, tight-knit community of East Palestine, Ohio, was just the beginning. Chemicals leaked into the soil and creeks amid a massive fire, and the intentional detonation of toxin-laden railcars spewed smoke into the air and across the landscape. The calamity prompted an evacuation order in this village near the Pennsylvania state line, as residents on both sides of the border said they suffered illness in the days and weeks afterwards. Months later, questions still remain.

On this episode of Bloomberg Investigates, we spoke to residents, experts, government officials and the train company’s chief executive to find out exactly what happened and how this small town can recover. Meanwhile, battle lines over the environmental fallout—and who is responsible—are being drawn.

To see all episodes of Bloomberg Investigates, click here.