Could the tragedy in Ohio serve as a "wake-up call" to the deadly train derailments in the United States?

By: F. Najafi

In recent years, railroad accidents have become a real concern across the United States, as they have grown to the point that they jeopardize more American lives.

Over 1,700 train derailments occur annually in the United States. On February 3, 2023, a train carrying hazardous chemicals derailed northeast of Columbiana, Ohio, becoming the first railway tragedy of the year. Concerns were raised for the health of the local communities due to chemical emissions into the air and possible contamination of water reservoirs.

Furthermore, the Ohio State School of Environment and Natural Resources reported that in the three weeks after the recent railroad accident, an estimated 43,000 animals perished.

With the railway sector in a tailspin, the deplorable state of the rail infrastructure, and the federal government in turmoil, experts predict that the number of train accidents in the United States will increase. The American citizens are now enduring economic hardships and high inflation as a direct result of the United States' support for Ukraine.

Most of the country's dilapidated infrastructure, especially its highways, will likely need maintenance and assistance from the federal government. There is a widespread sentiment among American citizens that the federal government's priority has been the conflict in Ukraine rather than resolving pressing problems at home. During his most recent trip, which included an impromptu stop in Kyiv on February 20, US President Joseph Biden pledged $500 million in further help to Ukraine.

Biden has indicated that he made a "historic trip" to Kyiv in order to evince his "unwavering" support for Ukraine’s war efforts, offer further military supplies, and impose fresh anti-Russian sanctions. According to CNN, Biden and the beleaguered Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a joint communiqué in which Washington vowed to provide more military hardware. This includes artillery ammo, javelins, and more howitzers.