Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw apologized for the Feb. 3 train derailment that spilled toxic chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio.
Shaw apologized before the Senate’s Environment and Public Works
Committee on Thursday. Shaw said the company would spend whatever it
takes to reimburse residents and clean up the town.
- Shaw
said he is determined to make things right, and the company will clean
the affected site safely, thoroughly, and with urgency.
- On Feb. 3, a Norfolk Southern cargo train of 150 cars detailed near East Palestine.
- Of the 38 railcars that derailed, 11 were hazardous-materials cars.
- The
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has opened an investigation
into Norfolk Southern’s safety culture following several accidents
involving the company since December 2021.
- Another Norfolk Southern train derailed in Alabama on the same day as Shaw’s testimony. No hazardous material spilled this time.
- Shaw
said Norfolk Southern was leading a push to de-emphasize profitability
after major railway operators looking to cut costs were employing fewer
workers.
