A Norfolk Southern (NS) train derailed this week in Alabama – hours before NS CEO and president Alan Shaw was due to appear before the US Senate to testify about the derailment of one of the company’s trains in East Palestine, Ohio last month.That incident sparked a fire and led to the evacuation of 4,700 residents, as some of the derailed cars were carrying vinyl chloride, a flammable and highly toxic chemical.
The accident yesterday in Alabama, in which nobody was hurt had no hazardous materials on board.
The rail industry has come under the spotlight over the spate of accidents, following rising frustration over deteriorating service and delays major railroads have struggled with congestion, after they had laid off too many employees.