Ohio derailment highlights need for better communication and emergency response protocols.

Poor communication and incomplete information frustrated the response to the fiery Ohio train derailment in February, according to officials. Firefighters struggled to identify the hazardous chemicals the train was carrying due to a lack of communication from Norfolk Southern. The decision to release toxic vinyl chloride from five tank cars and burn it to prevent an explosion sent a towering plume of black smoke over the town and prompted the evacuation of about half of its 5,000 residents. The hearing also highlighted the need for more hazardous materials training for firefighters and better communication between departments.