EAST PALESTINE — Former President Donald J. Trump plans to visit East Palestine next week following the Norfolk Southern freight train derailment near the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.
>> MORE: Norfolk Southern train carrying hazardous materials derails outside of Detroit
News Center 7 previously reported that a Norfolk Southern freight train derailed and caught on fire that lasted days. News outlets and nearby residents were able to capture the fire from over a mile away. However, once fire crews arrived on scene, they were limited in their ability to attack the fire.
The train cars were carrying toxic, combustible chemicals that posed a public safety threat. Ohio’s governor issued an evacuation notice for East Palestine fearing that the fire would breach the safety barriers in the train cars and cause an explosion.
Since the initial emergency, officials lifted the evacuation order after crews were able to safely put out the flames using a controlled release method that burned some of the combustible chemicals inside the train cars.
However, new issues arose with security footage showing that a train car’s wheels were on fire 20 miles prior to the train’s derailment. A former Norfolk Southern train engineer questioned how the safety measures were not triggered that could have prevented the derailment and eventual fire.
Residents who returned to their homes in East Palestine also noted polluted and contaminated areas that affected the environment and their drinking water.
In response, multiple officials visited the town to assess the damage and show solidarity with the residents. Previous high-profile visitors included Ohio Senator JD Vance (R-OH) and EPA Administrator Michael Regan.
Now, Former President Trump declared his intention to visit the small town on his social media platform, Truth Social.
It is currently unknown what day the former president intends on visiting East Palestine.