Authorities Conduct 'Controlled Release' of Toxic Chemicals in East Palestine, Ohio

Authorities in East Palestine, Ohio, began the “controlled release” of toxic chemicals into the air from five derailed tanker cars that were in danger of exploding on Monday, February 6.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine issued an immediate evacuation in a “one-mile by two-mile area” surrounding East Palestine, including parts of Ohio and Pennsylvania.

In a press conference DeWine urged locals to heed the evacuation orders saying, “you need to leave, you just need to leave. This is a matter of life and death".

This footage, filmed by the Mohawk Valley Joint Fire District, shows flames and black smoke billowing high into the sky from the derailment site.

Norfolk Southern, the rail operator, said in a statement that the release of the fumes was “completed successfully" on Monday afternoon. “We have been, and will continue, monitoring air quality with the Ohio EPA”, they added. Credit: Mohawk Valley Joint Fire District via Storyful

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