US environmental agency to conduct internal inquiry over Ohio train wreck

EPA's response to the derailment has drawn intense criticism from East Palestine residents and public health experts

The US Environmental Protection Agency's internal watchdog division is opening an investigation into the handling of the East Palestine train wreck which caused a toxic disaster in the small Ohio town.

An agency spokesperson declined to comment on why it is launching the investigation, but a public memo from the EPA office of inspector general states that it will conduct interviews, gather data, and analyze a variety of issues, including hazardous waste disposal, air and water monitoring, soil and sediment sampling, and risk communication".