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04 May 2023

Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine Podcast Launch

LOS ANGELES, CA – May 4, 2023 – Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks announce the launch today of “Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine,” a gripping limited series documentary podcast by creators, journalists, and co-hosts Jarid Watson, Priscilla Watson, and Josh Miely. “Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine” is an eye-opening investigation into the dark underbelly of the U.S. rail industry and the dire consequences that befall the innocent when corners are cut, and profits are prioritized. Listen to the revealing and often alarming investigative podcast now on Omny, Apple, and Spotify.

The seven-episode documentary podcast takes listeners on the harrowing February 3rd, 2023, journey of a Norfolk Southern train containing hazardous chemicals that derailed in East Palestine, OH, less than one mile from the Pennsylvania border. The toxic train derailment shook the small town of East Palestine and its surrounding communities and left in its wake evidence of industry-wide negligence that led to the catastrophic event. Through in-depth interviews, first-hand accounts, and expert analysis, the podcast uncovers the devastating effects of the derailment and the industry-wide negligence that led to this catastrophic event.

The podcast delves into the U.S. rail industry’s consolidation, exposing the startling lack of safety regulations that have paved the way for disasters like the East Palestine derailment. It also examines the controversial decision to burn not one, but five rail cars full of vinyl chloride, resulting in a toxic plume that hovered over multiple counties in Ohio and Pennsylvania. As one HAZMAT specialist chillingly put it, “We basically nuked a town with chemicals so we could get a railroad open.”

Priscilla Watson, Co-Creator and Co-Host, “Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine,” noted: “What listeners will find compelling is the astounding level of control the railroad industry has over the economy, while local and state governments have no legal power to protect their citizens. As residents of the surrounding East Palestine area, living just 15 miles away, and as career content creators and multi-media journalists, we uncovered shocking evidence of industry-wide negligence and learned that derailments happen more often than one might think.”

“Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine” exposes the complex world of corporate greed, regulatory shortcomings, and environmental disaster, woven together in this heart-wrenching tale of a community in crisis.

Don’t miss a single episode of this must-listen series. Listen to the first three episodes of the “Derailment Disaster: Crisis in East Palestine” podcast now any wherever podcasts are streamed.

Recent interview with WTAM

For more information, visit https://benztown.com/podcast/ or contact Robby Gessel, Producer, Benztown + McVay Media Podcast Networks, rg@benztown.com or at 818.842.4600.