EAST PALESTINE — Two videos obtained by the National Transportation Safety Board show preliminary indications of a possible mechanical issue with one of the rail car axles before a Norfolk Southern train derailed Friday in the village.

“We are working to identify which rail car experienced the potential mechanical issue for further examination,” NTSB board member Michael Graham said earlier today.

He asked that any members of the public who have photos or videos of the derailment send what they have to witness@ntsb.gov.

DEWINE ORDERS EVACUATION

Also today, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine deployed the Ohio National Guard to assist at the scene, and also issued an emergency evacuation notice to anyone living within a 1-mile radius of the crash site who has not already left.

The evacuation order states that around 7 p.m., a drastic temperature change took place in a rail car and there is now the potential of a catastrophic tanker failure that could cause an explosion with the potential of deadly shrapnel traveling up to a mile.

“Although teams are working to prevent an explosion, residents living within a mile of the site are advised to immediately leave the area. While most individuals in the 1-mile radius have already evacuated, local officials say more than 500 people have declined to leave their homes,” DeWine’s order states.

The Columbiana County Sheriff’s Office said those with children in their homes who don’t evacuate may be subject to arrest.

Read more in Monday’s Vindicator.