In a preliminary report, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) pointed to an overheated wheel bearing on the Norfolk Southern train as a possible cause for the derailment that released toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio.
Federal authorities did not provide the exact cause of the derailment but outlined several operational concerns.
- The report said a surveillance video from a local residence showed what appeared to be a wheel bearing in the final stage of overheat failure moments before the derailment.
- The NTSB has collected the wheel bearing and affected wheelset as evidence and will examine the parts.
- Future investigative activity will focus on the wheelset and bearing, tank car design and maintenance procedures, derailment damage, inspection practices, and a review of the accident response.
- According to the report, the incident occurred around 9 p.m. local time on Feb. 3.; an eastbound Norfolk Southern freight train traveling about 47 miles per hour derailed.
- The speed limit is 50 miles an hour.
- Thirty-eight railcars derailed in the incident, including 11 tank cars carrying hazardous materials that subsequently ignited.
- Chemicals on the train included vinyl chloride, a highly flammable carcinogen.
- A one-mile evacuation zone was implemented after the derailment, impacting up to 2,000 residents.
- No fatalities or injuries were reported.
