"US Version of Chernobyl"... Rumors Spread Over Chemical Train Accident

NYT "Right-wing Critics Draw Their Own Conclusions Among Themselves"

Recently, a train carrying chemical substances derailed in Ohio, USA. Although the authorities have completed the cleanup of the leaked chemicals, unfounded rumors about the dangers are reportedly spreading online.

The US media outlet The New York Times (NYT) reported on the 16th (local time) that some right-wing commentators are spreading baseless speculations about the Ohio derailment incident through social media platforms.

According to the media, the commentators have even used expressions like "Chernobyl 2.0" to describe the accident. This is seen as exaggerating the risks of the derailment by comparing it to the 1986 radioactive leak accident at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the former Soviet Union.

Train derailment accident that occurred on the 3rd (local time) in Ohio, USA [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

On various social media platforms such as Twitter and Telegram, claims of "the greatest environmental disaster in history" are circulating along with the hashtag 'OhioChernobyl.' The right-wing broadcaster Fox News even ran a headline saying "An Ohio town that looks like Chernobyl."

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has also become a target of criticism. Tucker Carlson, a well-known Fox News anchor, harshly criticized Secretary Buttigieg, calling him "flamboyantly incompetent."

The derailment incident that sparked controversy occurred on the 3rd. Out of 150 train cars carrying chemicals, 50 derailed, causing a fire. At the time, authorities evacuated nearby town residents fearing a chemical explosion and controlled the burning of the chemicals through a managed ignition process.

The smoke from the burned chemicals was released into the air over several hours.

After the release was completed, the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that air quality had returned to safe levels. Water quality tests confirmed that there was no contamination in the town's water resources. Subsequently, residents were allowed to return gradually.

The scene at the site on the 9th / Photo by AP Yonhap News

Some concerns remain in the nearby town where the accident occurred. According to the NYT, a recent residents' meeting included demands to guarantee the safety of air and water resources. US environmental experts also urged caution until the long-term environmental impact of the accident is fully assessed.

Nevertheless, the NYT criticized, "Influencers and right-wing commentators have prematurely drawn their own conclusions," stating that "they theorize about the extent of the damage and the federal government's response, claiming that the government is engaging in widespread cover-up."