WATCH the ‘Controlled Release’ of Toxic Chemicals After East Palestine Train Derailment

Concerns are still rising as thousands of residents were forced to evacuate following the East Palestine train derailment — a train which was carrying toxic chemicals — which occurred earlier this month.

The train carrying toxic chemicals, including vinyl chloride, derailed along the Ohio-Pennsylvania on February 3.

WATCH: Massive Inferno, Threat of “Catastrophic” Explosion After ~50-Car Train Derailment:

Eric Whiting/LOCAL NEWS X /TMX

Three days later, officials announced a “controlled release” of the toxic chemicals, citing the risk of a “catastrophic explosion” if they failed to take action. Residents were ordered to evacuate as the rail cars burned for hours on end:

#BREAKING: Rail cars continue to burn 16 hours after a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio. A mandatory evacuation order remains in effect for people within a 1-mile radius of the derailment. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. @KDKA #SkyEye2 pic.twitter.com/YoIpGyE3t8

— Ian Smith (@ismithKDKA) February 4, 2023

A press release from Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine said the controlled release process involved “the burning of the rail cars’ chemicals, which will release fumes into the air that can be deadly if inhaled.”

“Based on current weather patterns and the expected flow of the smoke and fumes, anyone who remains in the red affected area is facing grave danger of death. Anyone who remains in the yellow impacted area is at a high risk of severe injury, including skin burns and serious lung damage,” the press release warned.

WATCH: “Controlled Release” of Toxic Chemicals After East Palestine Train Derailment:

Mohawk Valey Joint Fire District via Storful

Both Dewine and Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro announced days later that air quality samples were coming in with “readings at points below safety screening levels for contaminants of concern.” Evacuated residents were given the all-clear to return home.

“Based on this information, state and local health officials determined that it is now safe for community members to return to their residences,” they said, promising continued monitoring in the area.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has continued to come under scrutiny for his delayed responses to travel-related incidents and hyper-focus on woke issues, said this week he is “concerned” by the impacts of the trail derailment and investigating the matter. He added that the federal partners at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)  are “onsite and monitoring indoor and outdoor air quality to test for VOCs and other chemicals of concern.”

“EPA has screened 291 homes and no detections were identified – and 181 homes remain,” he added:

I continue to be concerned about the impacts of the Feb 3 train derailment near East Palestine, OH, and the effects on families in the ten days since their lives were upended through no fault of their own. It’s important that families have access to useful & accurate information:

— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) February 14, 2023

We will look to these investigation results & based on them, use all relevant authorities to ensure accountability and continue to support safety.

— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) February 14, 2023

EPA has screened 291 homes and no detections were identified – and 181 homes remain. To request screening, call 330-849-3919. For more information, visit: https://t.co/uGvVurmT44

— Secretary Pete Buttigieg (@SecretaryPete) February 14, 2023

According to reports, the derailed train was actually carrying more toxic chemicals than initially known — including ethylene glycol monobutyl ether, ethylhexyl acrylate, and isobutylene — adding to the lingering concerns.