Norfolk Southern has agreed to pay $600 million in a class-action lawsuit settlement related to a fiery train derailment in February 2023 in eastern Ohio. The settlement will resolve all class action claims within a 20-mile radius from the derailment and personal injury claims within a 10-mile radius. Individuals and businesses affected by the derailment will be able to use the compensation in any manner they see fit, including addressing health care needs, property restoration, and compensation for business losses.

The settlement does not constitute an admission of liability, wrongdoing, or fault by Norfolk Southern. Attorneys for the plaintiffs have called the settlement fair, reasonable, and adequate for the community, citing the speed of resolution and the significant amount of awards residents can expect. The settlement is expected to be submitted for preliminary approval to the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio later this month, with payments to class members potentially beginning by the end of the year, pending final court approval.

Norfolk Southern has already spent over $1.1 billion on its response to the derailment, including direct aid to East Palestine and its residents. However, some residents are disappointed that President Biden has not declared a disaster in East Palestine, as the railroad's cleanup efforts have been funded by Norfolk Southern. The company has promised to create a fund to help with the long-term health needs of the community, but this has not yet materialized.

This settlement marks a significant step towards resolving the aftermath of the train derailment in East Palestine, providing closure and compensation for those affected by the incident. Stay tuned for updates on this breaking news story.