Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw will tell lawmakers Thursday that he is “deeply sorry” for a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, and that he is “determined to make it right,” according to written Senate testimony obtained by NBC News.
“We will clean the site safely, thoroughly, and with urgency. We are making progress every day,” Shaw is expected to tell members of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, according to the testimony.
The Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed in East Palestine, a village of around 4,700 near the Pennsylvania border, on the night of Feb. 3.
There was a fire, and residents were ordered to evacuate their homes. The railroad conducted a “controlled breach” of cars that contained vinyl chloride to prevent an explosion, and materials burned off, officials said.
The Norfolk Southern CEO on Thursday is also expected to stress the importance of financial assistance to affected residents, noting that the company has “committed to reimbursements and investments of more than $20 million in total,” allocated to families and first responders.
“I want to be clear: this financial assistance is just a down payment,” Shaw will say, according to the testimony.
“I’ve met with community leaders, business owners, school officials, clergy, and others to begin to identify ways we can invest in the future prosperity of East Palestine and support the long-term needs of its people,” he will say. “We will continue to invest in East Palestine for as long as it takes to help the community recover and thrive.”
Vinyl chloride is a flammable gas that is linked to increased risk of cancer. Some residents have complained of irritation and other health effects, and some have said they were afraid to shower or otherwise use water.
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