Ohio train derailment was "100% preventable," says NTSB chair

A new four page preliminary report released on Thursday by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found that the crew of the train carrying toxic chemicals that derailed in Ohio earlier this month had been warned about an overheating wheel bearing. 

The train’s operators received a “critical audible alarm message instructing the crew to slow and stop the train to inspect a hot axle," after the wheel bearing became 253 degrees (Fahrenheit) hotter than the air temperature, the report says.

Such dangerously high temperatures would require the train to stop in order to prevent a disaster, including a possible derailment. 

Despite a train engineer putting the brakes on after receiving the alarm and having the automatic braking system activated, 149 of the cars still derailed near the town of East Palestine, Ohio, causing a fire.

Eleven of the derailed cars were carrying large quantities of toxic chemicals, including vinyl chloride, which spilled after the derailment. 

The spill prompted an evacuation order and a declaration of state of emergency in East Palestine, fearing that the toxic chemicals have spread into the water and air in the surrounding area. 

While the evacuation order has been lifted and residents have returned to their homes, many claim to be suffering from symptoms including headache, nausea, burning sensation in the throat, and cough. 

In an apology issued directly to the people of Ohio, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homedy said the disaster “was 100% preventable.”

"We call things accidents. There is no accident. Every single event that we investigate is preventable," she said. "So our hearts are with you know, that the NTSB has one goal and that is safety and ensuring that this never happens again."