A girls’ high school basketball game in Ohio was not played on Thursday night due to health concerns following a train derailment in eastern Palestine on February 3.
the bristol women’s varsity basketball team it lost its game against East Palestine High School in the Div. IV sectional opener as there were not enough players willing to make the trip to the game, according to multiple reports.
Community members gather at the high school for a town hall meeting following the February 3 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, OH. (Rebecca Kiger for The Washington Post via Getty Images)
The health concerns occurred after a Norfolk Southern Railroad train carrying vinyl chloride derailed in East Palestine, Ohioa small community located along the Ohio-Pennsylvania border.
VIRGINIA HIGH SCHOOL GIRL BASKETBALL COACH FIRED AFTER PASSING AS PLAYER, 13, DURING GAME: REPORTS
To avoid an explosion, the company chose to release the gas from the derailed wagons, releasing potentially deadly fumes and other dangerous chemicals in the air.
«After considering the concerns of our families, it has been decided that the game will not be played tonight and, sadly, Bristol will forfeit,» local Bristol schools superintendent Christopher Dray said in a statement, according to The newspaper. Vindicator.
A man raises his hand with a question for East Palestine, Ohio Mayor Trent Conaway, center, during a town hall meeting at East Palestine High School in East Palestine, Ohio, on Wednesday, February 15, 2023. The meeting will conducted to answer questions. about the ongoing cleanup of the February 3 derailment of a Norfolk Southern freight train carrying hazardous materials. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
«The safety of our athletes, families and the community comes first and foremost. We are currently discussing some positive ideas to provide some fun and closure for our team at the end of the season. OHSAA will be in charge of reimbursing the balance of any purchased ticket, so please contact them directly if you need a refund.»
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Bristol tried to move the game to a neutral site, but the Ohio High School Athletic Association he said the game had to be played in eastern Palestine.
«Local, state and federal health officials have determined that East Palestine High School can safely open and host extracurricular activities. Therefore, the girls’ basketball tournament game against Bristol High School will remain in East Palestine, as scheduled. «said the OHSAA director. Media relations Tim Stried said Thursday in a statement.
OHSAA ruled the game a void.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
A basketball goes through the hoop during the game between the Memphis Tigers and the Cincinnati Bearcats at the Fifth Third Arena on January 22, 2023, in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The men’s basketball game between East Palestine and Wellsville is still going on Friday night, according to WKBN Youngstown.
On Friday, officials said the Biden administration would send medical personnel and toxicologists to eastern Palestine to conduct public health testing and assessments.
Fox News’ Brooke Singman contributed to the report.