Palestine, Ohio – The United States Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, visited Palestine, Ohio, on Thursday to tour the site where a train carrying hazardous materials derailed nearly three weeks ago.
The derailment occurred on February 3, 2023, causing a massive explosion. Fortunately, no one was killed or seriously injured in the accident.
Secretary Buttigieg’s visit to Palestine was part of his efforts to assess the safety and security of the nation’s transportation infrastructure. He was joined by local officials, including Mayor Trent Conaway, and representatives from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
The group toured the site of the derailment and inspected the wreckage of the train. They also met with first responders who were on the scene after the accident and community members who were affected by the explosion.
Speaking to reporters after the tour, Secretary Buttigieg emphasized the importance of investing in transportation infrastructure to ensure the safety of communities across the country.
“We have to make sure that we’re investing in the right way in the infrastructure that keeps our communities safe,” he said. “Whether it’s roads, bridges, rail, or public transit, it’s critically important that we have the resources we need to keep our transportation system safe and reliable.”
The NTSB is still investigating the cause of the derailment, and it may be several months before a final report is issued. However, the accident has already raised concerns about the safety of transporting hazardous materials by rail.
Mayor Conaway expressed her gratitude to Secretary Buttigieg for visiting Palestine and for his commitment to improving transportation safety.
“We appreciate Secretary Buttigieg’s willingness to come here and see firsthand the damage caused by this accident,” Conaway said. “We hope that his visit will help to raise awareness of the need for greater investment in our transportation infrastructure and the importance of ensuring that our communities are safe and secure.”