(Reuters) -Union Pacific, the largest U.S. railroad operator, could reach an agreement to acquire rival Norfolk Southern as soon as early next week, Bloomberg News reported on Friday, citing people familiar with the matter.

The Estate of Cheryl Roush has filed a lawsuit against Norfolk Southern for $250,000 in damages related to her death, alleging that the train derailment on February 3, 2023 released toxic chemicals into the air which caused her injuries and eventual death.

Union Pacific Corp. could reach an agreement to acquire Norfolk Southern Corp. and create a transcontinental rail behemoth as soon as this week, people familiar with the matter said.

The combination of two large rail companies would create the first coast-to-coast network, but the deal could reduce competition.

Two crew members were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries in the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train that also led to a hazardous-materials incident on Friday (July 18, 2025). Newsweek reports 24 railcars derailed in the incident near the town of Bellmont about 6 p.

Friday's train derailment resulted in a "significant hazardous materials spill," Mount Carmel Mayor Joe Judge told Newsweek.

Another lawsuit that links a death to the 2023 East Palestine train derailment was recently filed in federal court. The estate of Cheryl Roush filed suit against the railroad on Monday in Youngstown’s District Court,

"This is black and white receipts that the EPA was working with Norfolk Southern to create the outcome that Norfolk Southern wanted."

Union Pacific Considering a Norfolk Southern Buyout, Report Says. Here’s What Will Matter. Union Pacific is in talks to merge with Norfolk Southern, The Wall Street Journal reported Thursday, in a deal that would shake up the railroad business in America.

The derailment forced road closures and required crews to cut trees and clear debris, dramatically altering the landscape in a matter of hours. Neighbors said Norfolk Southern’s response was ...

In September 2024, Norfolk Southern agreed to pay $600 million in a class-action settlement for individuals who filed personal injury and property damage claims related to the derailment.

The five residents appealing the final approval of last year’s $600 million settlement between the Norfolk Southern and households impacted by the 2023 train derailment, continue to fight for a reduction or complete elimination of the $850,