The company “reached an agreement in principle for $600 million to resolve a consolidated class action related to the derailment,” according to a statement.
According to the railway company, “if approved by the court, the agreement will resolve all class actions within a 20-mile (32 km) radius around the derailment” and also provides compensation in the event of injuries, within a 16-mile radius. kilometers, for those who claim.
The accident, in which there were no casualties, occurred in February 2023 in East Palestine, western Ohio, and caused the spill of toxic and flammable substances such as vinyl chloride and benzene, forcing the evacuation of about 2,000 residents. of the area.
Several reported experiencing nausea, headaches and skin rashes after being exposed to the black smoke emitted by the burning carriages.
Norfolk Southern said the settlement does not involve an admission of liability, error or blame, but said the funds will allow local residents and businesses to “address potential adverse impacts of the derailment.”
“This may include medical care and follow-up needs, restoration or devaluation of property, and compensation for any business losses,” the company said.
The consequences of the accident became ammunition for politics ahead of the November 2024 elections.
Donald Trump, who aspires to return to the White House, visited the site shortly after the accident and provoked President Joe Biden for not coming immediately. Biden finally traveled to East Palestine last February, for the first anniversary of the derailment.
Source: With information from AFP.
