Palestine, Ohio – Residents in and around Palestine, Ohio, are growing increasingly concerned about toxins in the air and water following the February 3 train derailment that caused the release of vinyl chloride and other hazardous chemicals. In the days following the incident, thousands of fish have died, and residents are reporting sickness and death of their pets and livestock.
According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, at least 3,500 fish have died because of the toxic chemical that has infiltrated area streams. In the town of Lima, which is approximately 10 miles from the crash site, residents have reported the sudden death of their chickens.
Amanda Breshears tells WKNB News:
“I’m beyond upset and quite panicked, ’cause this, they may be just chickens, but they’re family,”,
Breshears said that her chickens were healthy and acting normally on Monday, and by Wednesday they were dead.
Taylor Holzer, who rescues foxes, has reported that one fox died after being exposed to the toxic fumes, and others are showing signs of sickness.
The chemicals on the derailed train were set on fire in order to prevent an explosion, and the massive plume of black smoke has caused a great deal of concern among people who live in the area. Despite those concerns, and the known hazards of the vinyl chloride chemical, officials have assured residents that the air quality is okay, and the water has not been contaminated.
As reported by CBS News, the train was also carrying butyl acrylate, ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate and isobutylene.
(Screengrabs)
Continue reading: Cat Back Home After Being Accidentally ‘Sold’ With Couch
Please follow Animal Victory on Facebook to enjoy the latest animal-related news, view petitions, and receive animal cruelty case updates. Click here to like and follow!
Not on social media? That’s okay. You can avoid missing the latest news by signing up to receive newsletters from Animal Victory (click here).
