According to environmental experts, about 45,000 animals died as a result of a hazardous train derailment in an Ohio town earlier this month.
The figure from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources upgrades the initial estimate of 3,500 animals killed in the crash on February 3rd. According to officials, the death toll was entirely recorded within a 5-mile (8km) radius of the crash scene.
Thousands of Aquatic Species Found Dead
In the midst of a government investigation, cleanup activities in East Palestine continue. The incident included 38 cars, 11 of which were carrying hazardous items. People later complained of feeling ill.
In a news conference on Thursday, Mary Mertz, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), stated that all 43,700 animals found dead were aquatic species and that there is no evidence that any terrestrial animals were killed by the train’s chemicals.
None of the creatures were thought to be endangered or threatened. According to her, several live fish have already been seen returning to one of the streams impacted by the train crash.
On Thursday, Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz attended a press conference and estimated the overall number of minnows and other types of fish killed.
According to the ODNR, the total number of animals impacted in the streams near the site is 2,938, with approximately 2,200 minnows. Two Division of Wildlife officers collected dead fish in the vicinity on February 6 and February 7.
Using the sample count, ODNR estimated that 38,222 minnows were killed across a 5-mile stretch of the waterway from the derailment site to a location where Bull Creek runs into the north fork of Little Beaver Creek.
Aside from minnows, the ODNR estimates that 5,500 other aquatic creatures were destroyed. Crayfish, amphibians, and macroinvertebrates are examples of these animals.
Read more: Alligator kills elderly woman in a senior living community while walking her dog
Ohio Train Derailment Investigation Continues
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also stated on Thursday that the train’s crew attempted to slow it down moments before the collision after discovering that a wheel bearing had heated up.
According to the NTSB’s preliminary investigation, it reached a “threshold” temperature of 253 degrees Fahrenheit above normal temperature shortly before the incident.
According to the NTSB, when the train driver applied the brakes, an automated braking system was activated, allowing the train to come to a halt.
Read more: US Marshals arrested 2 teens linked to Temple University police officer’s death