Norfolk Southern reaches $600M agreement with East Palestine residents

More than 14 months after a fiery train derailment rattled a small Ohio town, Norfolk Southern has reached a $600 million agreement to settle claims.

Norfolk Southern said it has reached a $600 million settlement to resolve all class action claims made by residents who live within a 20-mile radius of last year's derailment site in East Palestine, Ohio. 

Residents who live within a 10-mile radius can also receive du their personal injury claims. 

The settlement will need the approval of a court before being finalized. A judge will also help decide how the settlement should be divided. 

Residents in the lawsuit claimed the railroad's negligence was responsible for the train derailment in February 2023 that spewed toxic chemicals into the air and ground of surrounding areas. 

Residents have raised concerns that the derailment has caused long-term health effects and reduced property values, among other impacts.