DeWine issues evacuation notice for East Palestine following train derailment

COLUMBUS — Governor Mike DeWine and Columbiana County officials issued an urgent warning Sunday night to those living a mile within the area of the train derailment in East Palestine to immediately evacuate, according to the Governor’s spokesperson.

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A train derailed in eastern Ohio and caught fire Friday night and caused officials in East Palestine to order evacuations.

Teams are working to prevent an explosion from happening and residents living within a mile of the site “are asked to leave the area immediately,” the governor wrote on social media.

“A drastic temperature change has taken place in a rail car, and there is now the potential of a catastrophic tanker failure which could cause an explosion with the potential of deadly shrapnel traveling up to a mile,” Governor DeWine said.

Most individuals in the one-mile radius have already evacuated but local officials say more than 500 people have decline to leave their homes, according to the governor’s office.

“Those who have the means to leave are advised to immediately evacuate,” said DeWine.

>>PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Train derailment in eastern Ohio causes huge fire; residents evacuated

The Ohio National Guard has been activated and deployed to the scene to assist local authorities.

Members of the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Ohio Emergency Management Agency and Ohio EPA are also assisting, the governor’s office said.

Those who need help evacuating the area should call 330-426-4341.

Anyone with children in their homes who decline to evacuate may be subject to arrest, according to the Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office.

We will continue to provide updates.

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Train Derailment Ohio This photo taken with a drone shows portions of a Norfolk and Southern freight train that derailed Friday night in East Palestine, Ohio are still on fire at mid-day Saturday, Feb. 4, 2023. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) (Gene J. Puskar)

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