Global Courant 2023-04-27 08:06:25
In early February, Stella Gamble watched from her front porch as a plume of toxic smoke filled the sky over East Palestine, Ohio.
She soon learned that a train had derailed in Norfolk Southern, releasing hazardous materials into the air, water and air. In the days following the incident, Gamble’s family followed evacuation orders. However, when they returned home, symptoms related to the toxic chemicals in that train derailment drove them away again.
Nearly three months later, Gamble believes most of her family, including her four foster children, have spent more nights in hotels and on the road than in the community they call home.
RESIDENTS OF EAST PALESTINE STILL LIVE IN LIMBO ALMOST 3 MONTHS AFTER THE DERAIL
Nearly 3 months after the Norfolk Southern train derailment, Stella Gamble has spent more nights in hotels and on the road than at home. (Stephen Goin/Fox News Digital)
“We can’t do this forever, but for the first time, I don’t feel hopeful, I don’t feel safe in my own home,” Gamble said. “When your government tells you it’s safe to return home, your first instinct is to trust what they’re telling you. But it wasn’t long before I found out things weren’t right.”
Gamble tells Fox News that she doesn’t know what’s next for her family as they begin to consider a move.
“If we wanted some peace of mind, we’d probably move – but those who say ‘just move’ – I’ll just move and take my whole family with me, and they can all find new jobs and I can tell all my grandchildren to go you don’t graduate from the school you went to? There’s a lot more to it than just moving,” Gamble said. “Even if there’s help…I don’t want Norfolk Southern’s money, I want my backyard so my grandchildren can play without getting sick.”
Across eastern Palestine, “for sale” signs have appeared in front of several homes following the February 3 train crash. However, sellers face an uphill battle with reduced property values and little interest from buyers.
A black plume rises over East Palestine, Ohio, due to a controlled detonation of some of the derailed Norfolk Southern trains. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, file)
At a Senate hearing in March, Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw was questioned about the train derailment and was asked several times whether the railroad would compensate homeowners for their losses.
“I’m determined to do what’s best for the community,” Shaw repeatedly replied.
OHIO ADVOCATE GENERAL ANNOUNCES COURT AGAINST NORFOLK SOUTH DERAILS ACROSS EAST PALESTINE
In a previously released statement, Norfolk Southern acknowledged homeowners’ concerns but failed to take any specific action.
“We also know that residents are concerned about the value of their homes. While we work with local leaders on investments to support the long-term prosperity of the community, we understand these concerns,” the statement said. “We are committed to working with the community to provide tailored protection for home sellers if their property loses value as a result of the impact of the derailment.”
The EPA claims the community is safe, as ongoing air monitoring and soil testing have not yet detected “disturbing” levels of contaminants. However, officials tell Fox News they acknowledge that some people are skeptical of the results.
About 50 Norfolk Southern freight cars derailed on the night of Feb. 3 in East Palestine, a town of 4,800 near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. (NTSB/Handout via Xinhua via Getty Images)
“We understand where residents may not be as trusting, we hope to gain their trust over time as they continue to see progress here. We are not leaving until this job is done,” said EPA on-site response coordinator Mark Durno.
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Nevertheless, the fear of continued chemical exposure remains for some residents
“People are testing positive for vinyl chloride and benzene, my sons are testing positive, my daughters are testing positive,” Gamble told Fox. “If there’s a one in a million chance your child will get sick from staying here, why take that chance?”
Stephen Goin joined Fox News in 2021 as a multimedia reporter based in Cleveland, Ohio.
