Burning of Chemicals After Rail Crash in Ohio Draws Scrutiny (1)

Investigators are raising questions about the decision to burn chemicals in the aftermath of a February train wreck in Ohio, which sent a massive toxic plume over the region.

Disagreements between the chemical manufacturer and others on site were revealed in documents released Thursday by the US National Transportation Safety Board. The agency is holding a two-day hearing into the East Palestine derailment to examine the fallout and consider ways to prevent future accidents.

Contractors hired by Norfolk Southern Corp. recommended the so-called “vent and burn” procedure to help prevent five tank cars containing vinyl chloride from blowing up, ...