Sensor Failure and Poor Emergency Response Faulted in East Palestine Train Derailment, NTSB Finds

A sensor on the railroad tracks in East Palestine, Ohio, failed to detect an overheated rail bearing that caused the 2023 derailment of a train carrying hazardous materials, according to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). In a public hearing on Tuesday, the NTSB identified multiple contributing factors, including wheel bearings and track-based monitoring systems. They also criticized the initial emergency response and the process for venting and burning the derailed cars.

Officials highlighted the lack of standardized procedures for responding to wheel bearing alerts. They proposed the creation of a failure database to enhance detection systems. Joey Rhine, an NTSB railroad accident investigator, noted that the hot bearing detector should have triggered a critical alarm when the bearing caught fire but instead sent a non-critical alert to a back-office analyst.

The NTSB also criticized Norfolk Southern, the railroad operator, for deciding to vent and burn the chemicals involved in the derailment. The company claimed this action was necessary to prevent an explosion. However, the NTSB pointed out that the tank car's temperature was decreasing, and other evidence contradicted the need for such drastic measures.

The investigation concluded that the track and infrastructure issues, signals, train control systems, and the weight and lading volumes of the hazardous material cars did not contribute to the accident. The train crew's response was deemed appropriate.

Although no fatalities or injuries occurred in the derailment, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy emphasized that the absence of casualties does not equate to safety. "The NTSB exists to ensure the presence of safety, to shine light on the vulnerabilities that compromise safety," Homendy stated.

The hearing occurred a month after Norfolk Southern agreed to settle lawsuits from locals and the Justice Department for approximately $1 billion. The settlement resolved a proposed class action suit, with the railroad admitting no wrongdoing.

A Norfolk Southern spokesperson acknowledged the NTSB’s investigation and highlighted the company's commitment to safety. Over the past 16 months, Norfolk Southern has implemented various safety enhancements, including installing additional hot bearing detectors, acoustic bearing protectors, digital train inspection portals, and providing real-time train data and emergency protocols for first responders. These measures contributed to a 38% reduction in the company’s mainline accident rate last year.

Why This Matters: The East Palestine derailment underscores the critical need for improved safety measures and standardized procedures in the railway industry. The NTSB's findings highlight systemic issues that, if addressed, could prevent future accidents and enhance overall rail safety.

Key Takeaways:

• A failed sensor did not detect an overheated bearing, leading to the East Palestine derailment.
• NTSB criticized the emergency response and the decision to vent and burn chemicals.
• Lack of standardized procedures for wheel bearing alerts was identified as a significant issue.
• Norfolk Southern has implemented numerous safety enhancements since the incident.
• The absence of casualties in the derailment does not imply safety, according to NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy.