Let's encourage EphphEmmBee to divert (if possible) those thoughts and prayers to the evacuees (500+) near the site of this derailmant for their safety. And Fuck Trump in his travels to danger zones!
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Hmm. That address doesnt look right. It looks like the link pointing here was faulty.
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- On the surface, things look back to normal as trains ride through Jefferson County once again. The air monitoring is continuing, the water monitoring is continuing with EPD and were in the process of just monitoring the train traffic and making sure the tracks are laid and are solid, said Jim Anderson. People in Jefferson County are happy their not reliving Granitevilles tragedy. I love my life and Im not ready to go nowhere, said Carolyn Davis, an evacuee. Several state and federal agencies are investigating. FRA came out there, they were wanting to look at the tracks. I understand theyre going to review some video from the former train that went through prior to the derailed as well as the one that derailed, said Anderson. They're trying to pinpoint where it all went wrong. I think theyre doing their job. I think theyre learning from this, said Davis. Crews are still out cleaning up the mess. Norfolk is building a spur railroad track in the area out there which will be completed sometime next week. Once thats done theyll bring in cars, do a trans load of the new cars and then transport the chlorine out of here, said Anderson. Its not easy and takes time but they have a plan. We are looking at weeks. It may go into a month but as long as we do it safely then time is on our side, said Anderson. News 12 at 6/NBC at 7 JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Even though its cold and windy, people are still waiting in line to receive reimbursement from the chemical spill. Ive been here ever since about 8:30, said Hurbet Fann. 150 people share a similar story on todays wait time for reimbursement and payment, but its unlikely they share Hurbet Fanns story. Very thankful, said Fann. Days before the chemical spill he had a stroke, so to add the Bartow evacuation order on top of that was a lot. However, you wont find him complaining about it or long line. The only thing I was concerned about was life you know, said Fann. With documents in his hand, he was waiting to get a few hundred dollars for reimbursement and inconvenience. Im able to fill my car up with gas, get me some food or whatever, you know, said Fann.
11:39 a.m. JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) -- Officials tell News 12 the five remaining chlorine tankers have been successfully moved away from the tracks and on safe soil. The track has also been repaired and is being used by trains again. People are lining up again Wednesday in hopes of being reimbursed for evacuyation or medical expenses. News 12 will continue to bring you the latest on this developing story.News 12 at 11
JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) It could have been a lot worse with the train derailment over the weekend. News 12 found out that 13 of the 39 rail cars had chlorine on them. As we remember from the Graniteville disaster, it could have turned deadly if one of those tankers had leaked. Even though that's not the case this time, there's a concern as they try to clean up the wreckage. Were concerned about chemical mixing and creating something more dangerous possibly then chlorine, said Kimberly Mckenzie
Norfolk Southern is asking people to sign an initial claim form and fill out personal information. One question asks evacuees if they are injured and if they got medical attention. "Well I dont want to give up any rights in case there should be some long-term effects. Among the party that left were my toddler, my 10-year-old grandson, daughter, my son-in-law and myself. I want to be healthy and safe and I hope they will help us stay that way, said Raines. Those affected by the derailment will be able to fill out a form in the next couple of days but Norfolk Southern tells News 12 people filling this form out won't be able to change their answers, if symptoms from the spill come up later. Their spokesman says you can give supplemental information to the Norfolk Southern family assistance center later. They added they believe people will know they are experiencing symptoms close to the time of the exposure. "I'm not comfortable. I don't know what may happen on down the line with me," said Anthony White Thomas. Norfolk Southern mentioned you can give supplemental information at the center. While they've extended the hours to give reimbursements they will be done here Saturday. Norfolk says these are not releases in exchange for inconvenience payments.
Its unclear how much people will be reimbursed or like the timeline of the payments. We spoke to one Bartow couple who only spent about $150 to evacuate, but Norfolk gave them a $500 check. News 12 is told people looking for reimbursement had to sign some sort of document, but we do not know firsthand what the document says, or if people who seek or accept the reimbursements forfeit compensation for expenses related to any negative health effects that might come up in the future. Anyone who wants or needs financial assistance after being evacuated Sunday night and Monday morning can head to Jefferson County Emergency Services Tuesday, January 8th, from 9:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Thats located at 1841 Highway 24 W., in Louisville. News 12 will continue to bring you the latest updates on this still-developing story.
