Exclusive | Norfolk Southern CEO Expected to Leave Railroad Amid Board Probe

Board investigating derailment response led by CEO

Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw is expected to resign from his post amid an ongoing board investigation into the company's response to the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment, according to two sources familiar with the matter.

Shaw has led Norfolk Southern since 2015 and has been under intense scrutiny since the February 3 derailment, which released toxic chemicals into the air and water. The board's investigation, which began shortly after the derailment, has focused on Shaw's handling of the disaster, including his decision to delay notifying residents about the dangers of the chemicals.

Accident Caused Numerous Health Concerns

The derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine has raised concerns about the safety of the company's operations. The train was carrying hazardous materials, and the derailment caused a fire that released toxic chemicals into the air. Residents of the area have reported experiencing a range of health problems, including respiratory problems, skin irritation, and headaches.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has been monitoring the air and water quality in the area, and has so far found no evidence of levels of hazardous chemicals that would pose a health risk.

Handling of the Disaster Could have been Better

Norfolk Southern has been criticized for its handling of the disaster. The company initially evacuated residents within a one-mile radius of the derailment, but later expanded the evacuation zone to a two-mile radius after the EPA found higher levels of contaminants.

The company has also been criticized for not providing enough information to residents about the dangers of the chemicals released in the derailment. Some residents have said that they were not aware of the risks until they saw news reports about the derailment.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the derailment. The NTSB has said that it is too early to determine the cause of the derailment, but it has identified a number of factors that could have contributed to the accident, including the condition of the tracks and the speed of the train.

Conclusion

The derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in East Palestine has raised concerns about the safety of the company's operations. The company has been criticized for its handling of the disaster, and the NTSB is investigating the cause of the derailment. Residents of the area have reported experiencing a range of health problems, and the EPA is monitoring the air and water quality in the area.