New Investigative Podcast on Ohio Train Derailment Debuts

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, May 4, 2023

Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine

Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks announce the launch today of "Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine," a limited series documentary podcast by creators, journalists and co-hosts Jarid Watson, Priscilla Watson and Josh Miely. "Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine" is an investigation into the dark underbelly of the U.S. rail industry and the dire consequences that befall the innocent when corners are cut, and profits are prioritized.

The seven-episode documentary podcast takes listeners on the harrowing February 3, 2023, journey of a Norfolk Southern train containing hazardous chemicals that derailed in East Palestine, OH, less than one mile from the Pennsylvania border. The toxic train derailment shook the small town of East Palestine and its surrounding communities and left in its wake evidence of industry-wide negligence that led to the catastrophic event. Through interviews, first-hand accounts and expert analysis, the podcast uncovers the devastating effects of the derailment and the industry-wide negligence that led to this catastrophic event.

The show delves into the U.S. rail industry's consolidation, exposing the startling lack of safety regulations that have paved the way for disasters like the East Palestine derailment. It also examines the controversial decision to burn not one, but five rail cars full of vinyl chloride, resulting in a toxic plume that hovered over multiple counties in Ohio and Pennsylvania. As one HAZMAT specialist chillingly put it, "We basically nuked a town with chemicals so we could get a railroad open."

Co-creator and co-host Priscilla Watson said, "Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine," noted: "What listeners will find compelling is the astounding level of control the railroad industry has over the economy, while local and state governments have no legal power to protect their citizens. As residents of the surrounding East Palestine area, living just 15 miles away, and as career content creators and multi-media journalists, we uncovered shocking evidence of industry-wide negligence and learned that derailments happen more often than one might think."