The State of Ohio has released updates regarding the derailment that occurred earlier this week. As reported by the Ohio Department of Public Safety, the incident occurred on Tuesday when a freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed near downtown Albany. The incident caused a fire to break out and prompted the evacuation of nearby residents and businesses.
At the time of the derailment, the train was carrying a variety of hazardous materials, including ethanol and diesel fuel. Following the derailment, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency began monitoring the air quality in the area and has since reported that the air quality is within acceptable limits.
The Ohio Department of Transportation has also been providing updates on the cleanup process. Crews have been working around the clock to secure the derailed train cars and to contain the spilled materials. Currently, the department has reported that the cleanup process is progressing as expected and that the road closures that were initially put in place have been lifted.
In a statement, Governor DeWine expressed his appreciation for the swift response of the state’s emergency services and thanked the community for their patience during this difficult time. He also urged residents to continue to exercise caution.
The cause of the derailment is still under investigation, and additional updates will be provided as they become available.