‘Be vigilant, hold your ground’: Erin Brockovich rallies Ohio town after train disaster

Celebrated whistleblower and activist assures residents of East Palestine they are not alone, but also that a long road lies ahead

Every seat was taken in the East Palestine high school auditorium on Friday night as America’s most famous environmentalist took to the stage to address a community left traumatised, angry and confused by a railroad disaster that has upended their sleepy little town.

“Good evening, thank you for being here. My name is Erin Brockovich, not Julia Roberts,” she said, triggering a collective roar of laughter.