At least 75 train cars raced through the small town of East Palestine, Ohio on February 3, 2021. When the cars derailed, local fire fighters and first responders arrived at the scene and found 100-foot flames and strong chemical odors pervading the air. There was no information readily available on the chemicals they were dealing with.

The train was not equipped with electronic brakes, which could have mitigated the destruction, and, though it was over 1.7 miles long, it had a crew of only two, plus a trainee. Reports have shown that America has seen a 36 percent rise in rail hazmat violations over the last five years, setting the stage for further, potentially more devastating incidents.

The federal government is under pressure from residents, the National Wildlife Federation, 16 attorneys general, and others to improve rail safety protocols.