PORTSMOUTH, Ohio — Nine cars of a 90-car Norfolk Southern train derailed early Monday morning in the company’s rail yard in Portsmouth, according to the Scioto County Emergency Management Agency.
“There was a train derailment in the Norfolk & Southern rail yard in Portsmouth early this morning,” the agency stated. “Nine cars of a ninety-car train derailed with six turning over on their side. The cars were carrying grain and no hazardous material. The derailment poses no danger to the public.”
This derailment comes as Norfolk Southern faces intensifying scrutiny over its safety record, following the catastrophic derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, in February 2023. That incident resulted in a toxic chemical spill, evacuations, environmental damage, and long-term health concerns for residents. The disaster highlighted systemic issues within the company and the rail industry at large, prompting federal investigations and public outrage.
According to federal data, Norfolk Southern averages 163.6 derailments annually, aligning with a national industry trend of roughly 1,300 derailments per year. However, Norfolk Southern’s accident rate has soared by 80.8% from 2013 to 2022, increasing from 2.023 to 3.658 accidents per million miles traveled, per Politico.
In Ohio alone, the company’s trains have derailed in 36 counties since 2018, further spotlighting the risks associated with its operations. The East Palestine disaster, coupled with frequent incidents like the one in Portsmouth, underscores concerns about the company’s commitment to safety and maintenance.