Residents of a small Ohio town whose lives have been upended since a train hauling toxic chemicals derailed there earlier this month pressed top officials on the long-term health concerns and expressed their mounting distrust Wednesday night during a CNN town hall.
Jim Stewart, a lifelong 65-year-old East Palestine resident, said he’s angry and disgusted about what happened to his hometown.
In response, Shaw apologized and vowed to make it right through proper cleanup and reimbursing residents.
But residents left the town hall feeling frustrated after many their questions went unanswered, despite their repeated attempts to get clarity on safety measures.
Ohio Department of Health Director Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff noted handling potential toxic exposures “may not be in the wheelhouse” of many physicians.
As the town hall concluded, many residents said their most pressing concerns were not properly addressed.
Andris Baltputnis, a former chemistry teacher, said he was “very encouraged” after the town hall. »
