East Palestine, Ohio — The East Palestine City School District is set to file a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern railroad, seeking to recover costs related to the emergency response following a train derailment that occurred in February 2023. The legal action, anticipated to be filed in federal court in Youngstown, underlines the district’s concerns over the alleged failure of the company to meet its financial obligations.
The impending lawsuit will outline the financial burdens incurred due to the derailment, which include expenses for housing and transportation for residents who were evacuated, as well as the utilization of school facilities by emergency response teams. These commitments are deemed necessary by the district, especially in light of the disruption caused by the incident.
In addition, the East Palestine School District asserts that Norfolk Southern has not fulfilled its promises to relocate and rebuild the district’s athletic facilities, alongside plans to construct a community wellness center. The district estimates that these projects will exceed $30 million, creating significant financial strain as the community continues to recover.
On February 3, 2023, a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed in the area, releasing over 100,000 gallons of hazardous materials, resulting in extensive community concern and necessitating evacuation orders. The aftermath of the incident has prompted ongoing discussions about safety and community resilience.
Norfolk Southern has made some gestures of support, including a $300,000 donation to the school district aimed at bolstering academic programs, athletics, and other extracurricular activities affected by the derailment. The railroad also reported improvements such as mulching at the elementary school playground and transportation for the high school basketball team during playoff events.
Superintendent James Rook and attorney Ashlie Case Sletvold from Peiffer Wolf Carr Kane Conway & Wise are scheduled to provide further details about the lawsuit during a virtual news event at 1:30 p.m. ET on Wednesday, April 30.
As of now, Norfolk Southern has not publicly responded to inquiries regarding the upcoming legal action.
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