Alert lifted in the United States after the derailment of a train of chemical products

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Authorities in Ohio have given the go-ahead for the use of municipal water in a community where a train carrying chemicals derailed, after the accident sparked fears regarding its potability. 

The governor of this American state, Mike DeWine, on Wednesday advised the inhabitants of the locality of East Palestine to consume bottled water while awaiting the results of tests.

These ultimately revealed “no detection of contaminants” and therefore “municipal water is safe to drink,” the official tweeted.

On February 3, this derailment caused a huge fire and the evacuation of several hundred people. Among other things, the train was carrying vinyl chloride, a carcinogenic and highly flammable chemical used in the manufacture of plastic.

The railway authorities had carried out “controlled” releases of this substance “to avoid a possible explosion,” according to the governor’s office.

On February 8, authorities announced that evacuated residents could return to their homes “safely.”

Residents, however, made part of their concern. Some 3,500 fish died, according to the local Department of Natural Resources.

The United States Transportation Accident Investigation Board (NTSB) said its investigation into the causes of the derailment was continuing . 

Governor DeWine has promised to 'hold accountable' the Norfolk Southern Railroad.

It 'should pay for everything,' he said . “They are responsible for what happened.”