EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Norfolk Southern announced earlier today it would not take part in tonight’s scheduled town hall meeting on the East Palestine derailment, citing concerns about “a growing physical threat.”
The meeting was slated for 7 p.m. at the East Palestine High Auditorium. WEWS-TV reports the meeting would not feature speakers, but was to offer tables where residents could speak to different officials about their concerns.
In a statement reported by the station, the railroad said it had hoped to join local, state, and federal officials to update “the steps we are taking to thoroughly, responsibly, and safely clean up the accident site and to provide the latest results from ongoing water and air testing. We also wanted to be available to provide information on resources from our Family Assistance Center.
“At the same time, we know that many are rightfully angry and frustrated right now. Unfortunately, after consulting with community leaders, we have become increasingly concerned about the growing physical threat to our employees and members of the community around this event stemming from the increasing likelihood of the participation of outside parties. With that in mind, Norfolk Southern will not be in attendance this evening.”
The railroad said its representatives remain available at its assistance center and a hotline number.
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