In February of this year, a train operated by Norfolk Southern derailed in the small village of East Palestine, Ohio, while transporting hazardous chemicals.
Following the incident, authorities decided to burn the toxic freight in order to prevent a potential explosion, resulting in a foreboding black cloud of smoke wafting into the sky.
As the residents gradually returned to their homes in the days following the accident, many experienced symptoms such as rashes, sore throats, nausea, and headaches. Now, more than seven months later, the cleanup efforts at the derailment site are still underway.
Some residents express ongoing concerns regarding the long-term impact on their health, the economic prospects of their community, and the possibility of a similar incident occurring in the future.