According to a statement shared by the official, in recent hours there has been a drastic change in temperature in the cargo area, which could cause an explosion and the consequent launch of deadly shrapnel more than a kilometer away.
The derailment of several dozen cars, preliminarily attributed to mechanical failure, occurred as the train passed through East Palestine, near the Pennsylvania border, and caused fires at the crash site, The Hill newspaper reported.
Although the authorities still do not clarify what the medium was transporting, the mayor of East Palestine, Trent Conaway, declared that the authorities are working to determine “the possible chemicals involved.”
As crews work to prevent an explosion, residents in areas near the accident were urged to evacuate immediately.
Authorities previously reported that more than 500 people refused to leave their homes, after which the Columbiana County sheriff said they could arrest those who ignored the request, the newspaper said.
For his part, Governor DeWine activated the Ohio National Guard to help local authorities deal with the work deployed after the derailment and possible explosion.
Early this morning, a small detonation was caught on video as crews continued to work to put out the burning railcars, CBS News reported.
So far, no injuries were reported among the crew, residents or lifeguards, the medium abounded.
According to Michael Graham, a member of the National Transportation Safety Board, the investigation into the incident will be included in a preliminary report that is expected to be ready in the next month or so.
