The Editorial Board: Criticism of Norfolk Southern echoes in Buffalo
Norfolk Southern, with its freight operations unwinding through Western New York, recently faced stern criticism following the catastrophic 2023 derailment in Ohio. While the bulk of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB) observations dissected the disaster in East Palestine, Ohio, a particular critique should resonate within our community: Norfolk Southern’s inadequate communication with emergency leadership at the scene.
Merely ten days subsequent to the Ohio derailment, North Buffalo was abuzz with reports of a burning railcar on the move through the area. Labeling Norfolk Southern’s communication efforts as inadequate hardly captures the essence; the company outright denied such an event before offering implausible explanations, ultimately falling silent on the issue. As time stretched beyond 16 months, a satisfactory response has yet to emerge.
The incident prompted a deeper look into Norfolk Southern’s operational integrity, spotlighting a worrisome pattern as unveiled by the NTSB. An emergency responder’s call for vital information on hazardous materials aboard the train was met with a promise of a callback—a promise never fulfilled.
The situation further deteriorated as the NTSB’s chairman, Jennifer Homendy, laid bare Norfolk Southern’s failures, painting a picture of misconduct that bordered on the egregious. Accusations of delaying and withholding crucial information from the NTSB, alongside attempts to “manufacture evidence,” underscored a disturbing narrative. Moreover, a misjudged risk assessment concerning the potential explosion of five train cars led to an unnecessary and extensive release of chemicals, spawning a toxic plume that affected surroundings spanning 16 states, including New England.
While crises can spawn honest mistakes, the refusal to communicate and the fabrication of evidence do not fit within this realm. What becomes evident is a pronounced arrogance that compromises the safety of communities.
Buffalo, in this instance, might count itself lucky as the nighttime railcar fire reported in the vicinity appeared to cause no significant harm. However, the silence from Norfolk Southern is indicative of deeper, systemic issues highlighted by the derailment investigation—issues that bear serious implications for community safety and trust.
Despite Norfolk Southern’s claims of improvement predating the NTSB’s final report, true progress begins with transparency. As Buffalo continues to await honest communication, the narrative of good intentions remains overshadowed by actions that speak louder than words.
