Ohio town at risk of deadly chemical explosion following train derailment

A train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio.
(Image credit: Gene J. Puskar/AP Photo)

Authorities said Monday they will perform a controlled chemical release at the site of a train derailment near East Palestine, Ohio, as everyone in the area has been ordered to evacuate.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine (R) ordered the release of vinyl chloride to occur Monday afternoon. Per The Associated Press, DeWine addressed residents remaining in the area during a press conference and said he was "ordering you to leave. This is a matter of life and death." DeWine added that anyone in the area when the fumes are released would risk "grave danger of death."

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Justin Klawans, The Week US

 Justin Klawans has worked as a staff writer at The Week since 2022. He began his career covering local news before joining Newsweek as a breaking news reporter, where he wrote about politics, national and global affairs, business, crime, sports, film, television and other Hollywood news. Justin has also freelanced for outlets including Collider and United Press International.