WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today marks the one-year anniversary of the devastating train derailment in Darlington Township, Pennsylvania. A Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous materials veered off track near the Pennsylvania-Ohio border, causing a massive fire and releasing harmful substances into the surrounding communities. Today, the residents of these areas are still grappling with the physical, emotional, and financial repercussions of this disaster.
In a released statement, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) expressed his frustration with the rail company’s actions leading up to and following the incident. He criticized Norfolk Southern for its alleged negligence, claiming that the company cut corners on safety measures and failed to promptly inform local officials about the release of vinyl chloride, a hazardous chemical, into their communities. Moreover, he berated the company for refusing to provide recovery aid to the affected Pennsylvania residents.
The senator warned that without proper action, such a disaster could occur again, putting Pennsylvania communities at risk. He emphasized that it is time for rail companies to be held accountable for their actions and for the safety of freight rail transport to be prioritized.
In response to this ongoing issue, Senator Casey has been pushing for the passage of the Railway Safety Act, a bipartisan piece of legislation aimed at holding rail companies accountable for derailments. The bill also seeks to improve the safety of freight rail and provide resources for communities like Darlington to recover from such incidents.
“Every day that goes by without this bill becoming law is a day when another Pennsylvania community could be at risk,” warned Senator Casey.
His fight for the Railway Safety Act underscores a broader issue: the need for stricter regulations and greater accountability in the rail industry. If passed, this legislation could have far-reaching implications, potentially preventing future derailments and ensuring that companies like Norfolk Southern take greater responsibility for their actions.
Today, Senator Casey’s thoughts are with the people of Darlington and the surrounding areas who continue to live with the consequences of the derailment. He acknowledged the bravery of the first responders, the concerns of local farmers about their crop safety, and the fears of residents over potential health risks from exposure to hazardous materials.
Senator Casey concluded his statement with a promise: “No matter how long it takes, we need to make sure they don’t get left behind.”
The passage of the Railway Safety Act could mark a significant step towards ensuring such a disaster doesn’t happen again. It represents a fight for greater accountability in the rail industry and a commitment to the safety and well-being of Pennsylvania communities.
For the latest news on everything happening in Chester County and the surrounding area, be sure to follow MyChesCo on Google News and Microsoft Start.