East Palestine, Ohio, and Norfolk Southern Reach $22 Million Settlement Over 2023 Train Derailment

The freight train derailment in the village near the Pennsylvania state line included 11 cars transporting hazardous materials. Area residents evacuated and, days later, officials fearing a possible uncontrolled blast intentionally released and burned toxic vinyl chloride from five rail cars, sending flames and black smoke into the sky. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board later determined that it wasn't necessary to blow open those vinyl chloride cars and burn the plastic ingredient.

The town of East Palestine, Ohio, and Norfolk Southern have agreed to a $22 million settlement. The deal resolves all of the village’s claims stemming from the train derailment disaster nearly two years ago.

"The settlement also recognizes the approximately $13.5 million in prior payments that Norfolk Southern has already made directly to the Village since the derailment, including replacement of Village fire and police equipment and vehicles, improvements to the Village’s water treatment plant, and Norfolk Southern’s exterior renovation of the historic East Palestine train depot," the statement read. "The settlement also reaffirms Norfolk Southern’s commitment of $25 million to the ongoing improvements to the East Palestine City Park."

A Norfolk Southern train’s 50-plus carriages fell off the track. The released chemicals affected the nearby soil and water.

East Palestine reaches settlement with Norfolk Southern over 2023 derailment. The settlement agreement has "resolved all claims by the Village," the village says. Norfolk Southern has since the derailment paid about $13.5 million to the village. About 50 cars of a freight train derailed in a fiery crash.