Columbus Train Derailment, Explosion Shutters Man’s Business

A man said that he was forced to close up shop for more than a day after a train derailed, causing an explosion in north Columbus.

Surveillance video captured the violent explosion that closed Bob Pickard's business, Interior Supply Inc., located on East 11th Avenue, nearly scorching a brand new boom truck.

"Our trucks were right below the explosion, we were the closest building to that explosion," Pickard said.

He was one of several people who filed a claim with train company Norfolk Southern.

"We had to tell our hourly employees not to come into work and we had jobs that were in progress," Pickard said.

Anyone who lives in the evacuation zone impacted by the derailment could file a claim with Norfolk Southern representatives at the Ohio Expo Center, located at 717 E. 17th Ave., until 8 p.m.

Though company officials said that all claims would be considered, not all would be accepted.

Ernest Davis and a friend walked several blocks to file a claim for the inconvenience.

"They had us move and go a couple blocks over from where we stay," Davis said.

Some, like Roberta Riggins, did not get the news they were hoping for.

"Apparently, we were outside of the evacuation area," Riggins said. "Even though it was two streets over, so they said they couldn't help me."

Anyone with questions about claims should call a representative at call 1-800-230-7049.

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