Congressman Brian Higgins (NY-26) is calling for answers, following published reports and first-hand accounts of flames atop a
Norfolk Southern freight train traveling through Western New York on February 13, 2023.
In a letter to Norfolk Southern, Congressman Higgins denounces the company’s inadequate response to questions from the public about the incident, writing, “This is a gross abdication of Norfolk Southern’s responsibilities as a freight rail operator that shows horrifying disregard for potential consequences in our communities. The recent incident in East Palestine, Ohio, provides a nightmarish illustration of what may occur as the result of a rail disaster. To think that my community could suffer a similar catastrophe is unimaginable. While Norfolk Southern has several public phone numbers available on its website, including one specifically for emergencies, these are useless if the complaints received are not responded to in a serious manner. The lack of due diligence on Norfolk Southern’s part is offensive at best and highly dangerous at worst. I demand a full investigation and explanation into the train emitting flames that passed through Buffalo, NY on February 13.”
Higgins lays out his request for a federal investigation in separate correspondence to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) Secretary Buttigieg, “First, the DOT must open an investigation into the Buffalo train incident. To increase transparency, the DOT must work with the freight rail industry to hold them accountable to responding to employee and bystander accounts of hazards and promoting clear methods to register concerns and complaints. Lastly, the DOT, Congress, and other relevant agencies must work to enforce the strictest freight rail safety regulations possible to ensure the health and safety of our communities.”
Congressman Higgins has a long track record as an advocate for rail safety. He requested an investigation following the 2020 train derailment in East Aurora, delivered funding for rail crossing safety, pushed for improvements following equipment malfunctions at a railroad crossing in Dunkirk, and led legislation to better equip firefighters who respond to train accidents.
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