The Indiana Department of Homeland Security will conduct a full-scale exercise in Argos later this week. The training will simulate a train derailment and HAZMAT leak on the Norfolk Southern railway.
This is a regional training, and those traveling through Argos on Friday and/or Saturday should not be alarmed if they see increased emergency vehicles or First Aid tents near the train tracks or the fairgrounds. There is NO emergency, and NO chemicals are being released.
This HAZMAT hands-on safety training for Marshall County and regional officials on how to act in case a train derails with hazardous materials.
Last year, Marshall County hosted a train derailment tabletop discussion at Seasons Banquet Center with emergency responders coming from as far away as Fort Wayne. Participants planned what they would do if a train derailment occurred. The East Palestine, OH derailment is a prominent example and resulted in air pollution, contaminated water, and long-term health concerns for residents.
The plans from 2024 will be put to the test during this week’s hands-on exercise, where local and regional safety officials will simulate in real-time what they would do during a train derailment situation.
This intensive two-day exercise has emergency responders physically handling the train derailment on the first day, and on the second day, they will focus on the community and economic recovery. The second day, they will also recap with officials what worked correctly and changes they might need to make to their plan.
While the possibility of a train derailment happening is very low, the impact on a community would be immense, emphasizing the importance of always having a plan and strategic decision-making under pressure.
Smith looks to claim Parke County Commissioner seat
USDA opens enrollment for Grassland Conservation Reserve Program
Governor ceremonially signs bill co-authored by Baird to combat animal cruelty
New online portal brings transparency to Indiana gas prices during declared energy emergency
Electric vehicle fire training held at Rockville-Adams Township Training Center
Indiana FSSA announces results of HCBS attendant care audits - $200 Million in improper payments
Applications being accepted for Governor’s 2026 Century and Half Century Business Awards
Indiana BMV extending hours for primary election
$675 million impact reported from initial Regional Economic Development funding
PHMS Amazing Shake
Parke Heritage students in competition at FFA District Contest
Indiana's February unemployment rate below national average
Indiana hiring five county executive directors in training positions
Be on the lookout for farm equipment on the road
SW Parke projected to save over a million dollars closing Montezuma Elementary
Changes coming to South Vermillion School Corporation's cell phone policy
Crawfordsville man faces list of felony child sex charges
Domestic incident results in arrest in Parke County
