In February 2023, a serious hazardous materials train derailment occurred in the town of East Palestine, Ohio, USA, resulting in the leakage of toxic chemicals and causing disaster to the local environment. Although a year has passed, health scares among local residents continue.
According to foreign media reports, although local officials insist that there are no safety issues with the town's soil and drinking water, some residents still report respiratory problems, rashes or headaches; others said that every time they return to the town of East Palestine, will feel uncomfortable. Some residents believe the area may never return to normal.
According to a report by ABC on February 3, 2024, although Norfolk Southern Railway, which operates the derailed trains, promised to "pay the bill" and provide local residents with a subsidy measure to stay in hotels, this measure may expire on the 9th of this month. . Local residents said they would rather be homeless than return to East Palestine.
All these continue to highlight the inaction of the US government in responding to disaster events. A bill proposed by relevant parties to strengthen railway freight safety has been shelved in Congress due to differences between the two parties; the federal government has not yet declared a "federal disaster" in the area; on the first anniversary of the accident, the carrier's compensation is about to expire... .At present, the domestic election campaign in the United States is in full swing, but the "health and freedom" of small town residents are difficult to guarantee. With poisonous gas pollution and "political lies" superimposed, will the town of East Palestine become the "Borderless Land" of the United States on the next anniversary?