EAST PALESTINE, Ohio — Governor Mike DeWine of Ohio has issued a mandatory evacuation order for those residing within a mile of a train derailment in the eastern part of the state.
The train, carrying 150-200 cars, derailed on Friday in East Palestine, Columbiana County and caught fire, stretching from a quarter to a half-mile along the tracks. Although the intensity of the fire has decreased, it is still burning as of Sunday evening.
The evacuation notice follows a “drastic temperature change” in one of the rail cars, which could lead to an explosion that could send shrapnel up to a mile away, the Governor’s Office said.
East Palestine: Residents living within a mile of the train derailment site who have not yet left their homes are asked to immediately evacuate due to the potential of a major explosion. pic.twitter.com/F2BWmBipPx
— Governor Mike DeWine (@GovMikeDeWine) February 6, 2023
Teams are working to prevent this from happening, but residents in the affected area are advised to leave immediately. The Sheriff’s Office has warned that those with children who do not evacuate may face arrest.
Most of the people within the evacuation radius have already left, but over 500 residents have declined to evacuate. The Ohio National Guard has been activated to assist at the scene.
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