A string of train derailments have captured the attention of lawmakers in Washington. Corporations within the freight industry have redesigned their businesses to maximize efficiency. But a panel of experts gathered by CNBC argue that some of the strategic changes may compromise public safety. Some of these strategic corporate decisions may have been involved in a now infamous February 2023 crash on the Ohio-Pennsylvania border, according to regulatory complaints.

Correction on April 24, 2023 at timecode 7:32: This video has been updated to correct details about the industry’s safety sensors.

Chapters:
00:00 — Introduction
01:16 — Derailments
02:36 — Corporate decisions
07:03 — East Palestine
10:45 — Regulations

Produced by: Carlos Waters
Edited by: Dain Evans
Animation: Jason Reginato
Supervising Producer: Lindsey Jacobson
Additional footage: Getty Images, MSNBC, National Transportation Safety Board, NBC News, U.S. Senate
Additional Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Department of Justice, Federal Railroad Administration, National Railway Labor Conference

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Why U.S. Trains Keep Derailing