NEW YORK, Feb. 17 (Xinhua) -- The hazardous material train derailment that occurred in the northeastern U.S. state of Ohio on Feb. 3 is continuing to raise questions and fuel public distrust of U.S. authorities.
Fears of a possible explosion prompted the evacuation of hundreds of residents and a so-called controlled release and burning of the chemicals on Feb. 6, releasing toxic and potentially deadly fumes into the air.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine said he was informed that the train was not considered a "high hazardous material train," and therefore, Ohio was not notified in advance that it was passing through.
Mary Mertz, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, said that the department has observed approximately 3,500 dead fish of 12 different species following the chemicals spilling into local waterways.
Residents living nearby told local media that they have been drinking bottled water and feel uncomfortable bathing in water from the bathroom spigot. They are concerned with the long-term health impact.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said it has tested indoor air at 396 homes in East Palestine as of Feb. 13, with no detection of vinyl chloride or hydrogen chloride.
However, U.S. Congresswoman Ilhan Omar tweeted on Feb. 13 that "we need congressional inquiry and direct action" from the federal government to "address this tragedy."
"East Palestine railroad derailment will have a significant negative impact on the health and wellbeing of the residents for decades."
Produced by Xinhua Global Service
