3News Investigates uncovers 6 NTSB probes into Norfolk Southern accidents since 2006

Nearly three weeks after the toxic East Palestine train derailment, a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) preliminary report is providing new information about what caused the accident.

According to the report, the 149-car Norfolk Southern train crashed because of a failed wheel bearing on the 23rd rail car. Records show the bearing had been overheating for about 30 miles before the wreck, but the crew was not alerted to stop the train until a tracker detecting the piece of equipment at more than 250 degrees above normal temperature.

Eleven of the freight train cars that derailed were carrying hazardous material that ignited. Due to the potential for an explosion, officials evacuated everyone within a one-mile radius and conducted a "controlled release" of the chemicals. Although residents were cleared to return home just days following the release, there continue to be health and safety concerns weeks later.

A 3News investigation uncovered half a dozen other Norfolk Southern accidents investigated by the NTSB since 2006.

According to reports on the federal agency’s page, three of the accidents were isolated fatalities, one was a collision between two of the railroad’s trains, plus two derailments that required a release of hazardous materials.

Marisa Saenz reports: https://www.wkyc.com/article/news/nat... --

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