At the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation hearing, National Transportation Safety Board Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy confessed that the controlled burn at the East Palestine train derailment site was not necessary. On February 3, 2023, a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed near East Palestine, Ohio, leading to evacuations and shelter-in-place orders as authorities scrambled to mitigate the release of toxic materials. The situation became even more dire on February 6, when officials warned about a potential explosion and decided to carry out a controlled burn. However, it has now been revealed that this extreme action may not have been needed.
Republican Senator J.D. Vance of Ohio questioned Homendy about the temperature readings at the scene during the hearing. According to the senator, the initial temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit at 4 PM on February 5th had dropped to 126 degrees Fahrenheit by 9:30 AM on February 6th, hours before the controlled burn was executed. Homendy confirmed these readings and the fact that the temperature had stabilized well before the burn took place.
Residents of East Palestine have expressed their concern and distress following the derailment and controlled burn. Many reported a terrible odor in the town, and some have found their water to be undrinkable. While Republican Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio attempted to assure the public that the water was safe to drink by consuming a glass himself on February 22, 2023, it seems that the situation on the ground may be more serious than initially thought.
???? #BREAKING: Biden's NTSB Chair has just admitted to in a Senate hearing today the "controlled explosion" of the train in East Palestine, Ohio was UNNECESSARY
She says the chemical tank cars had already cooled and stabilized, meaning there was NO risk of an "uncontrolled… pic.twitter.com/Pq3d6Mcox0
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) March 6, 2024
Senator Vance clarified that his line of questioning was not meant as a criticism of the incident commander or the governor. Instead, he believed that there was a significant failure in communication and information sharing by those who were in charge of addressing the derailment.
He expressed concern that the community of East Palestine may have been purposely put in danger to expedite the transportation of freight or for unknown reasons. This is a troubling and unacceptable situation, and Senator Vance asserted that it should concern every member of the committee and the public at large.
WATCH
The controlled burn at the scene of the East Palestine train derailment has been deemed unnecessary by top officials_DUH!!
This revelation (Finally) raises questions about the safety measures and response tactics used in such a situation. The possible poisoning of the town’s residents, whether intentionally or due to negligence, is a serious matter that demands further investigation and accountability.
Govt in ON E Palestine event day 1 Lives ruined