Angry Ohio residents confront rail operator over health fears

Omaha, Nebraska/Toledo, Ohio — Residents who say they are still suffering from illnesses a month after a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in the US state of Ohio, confronted the railroad's operator on Thursday at a town forum, demanding to know whether they would be relocated from homes they are afraid to live in.

"It's not safe here," said one man, staring straight at representatives of the Norfolk Southern area. "I'm begging you, by the grace of God, please get our people out of here."

While the railroad authorities announced they were ready to begin moving more contaminated soil from underneath the tracks, buying homes and moving people out of the affected area has not been discussed, said Darrell Wilson, the railroad's assistant vice-president of government relations.