Norfolk Southern train derails in Alabama hours before CEO testifies in Congress

The train, consisting of about 30 cars, derailed just before 8 a.m. EST Thursday. Norfolk Southern leaders appeared before the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee two hours after the incident to testify on the train derailment that occurred in East Palestine, Ohio.

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There is no danger to the public, and no injuries have been reported, according to the Quad Cities Fire Department and Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency, via ABC 33/40 News.

Norfolk Southern has responded to the situation and has a cleanup crew on site, but there is no timeline for how long the process will take.

The train hailed from Atlanta and was heading to Meridan, Mississippi. No details relating to the train’s cargo have been released.

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw appeared before the committee on Thursday to answer questions and address concerns from lawmakers relating to the East Palestine derailment. Residents have expressed worries over long-term health effects after the train’s cargo released chemical toxins into the environment in Ohio and nearby Pennsylvania.

The hearing was led by Chairman Tom Carper (D-DE) and ranking member Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), with testimony from Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH), J.D. Vance (R-OH), and Bob Casey (D-PA), as their states were the most affected by the incident.

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The derailment in Alabama marks the third reported Norfolk Southern train to derail. Another derailed in Springfield, Ohio, but there were no toxic chemicals on board.

“I am going to see this through. There are no strings attached to our assistance — if residents have a concern, we want them to come talk to us,” Shaw said during the hearing. “I pledge that we won’t be finished until we make it right.”