The US’s environmental agency has told Ohio residents it is safe to return to their homes after a toxic train derailment despite pets and wildlife being found sick and dying.

Michael Regan, administrator of the US Environmental Protection Agency, asked residents to “trust the government” and said he would move his family back to the area if he lived in East Palestine, Ohio.

Two weeks on from the freight train derailment, local people have complained about headaches and irritated eyes, and finding their cars and lawns covered in soot.

Thousands of fish in the local creek have also been killed and a smell of fresh paint lingers, despite tests showing the air and water is safe in the town near the Pennsylvanian where just under 5,000 people live.

On a visit to the town to reassure sceptical residents who had been ordered to evacuate, Mr Regan said: “I’m asking they trust the government. I know that’s hard. We know there’s a lack of trust.”

“We’re testing for everything that was on that train.”

At a public meeting attended by hundreds of people on Wednesday, there was clear frustration at what residents say is vague and incomplete information about the long-term effects of the disaster.

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“I have three grandbabies,” said Kathy Dyke. “Are they going to grow up here in five years and have cancer?”

Railroad operator Norfolk Southern was absent from the meeting with some residents booing or laughing each time the village mayor and state health director said the toxic smell is not dangerous.

“They just danced around the questions a lot,” said Danielle Deal, who lives a few miles from the derailment site. “Norfolk needed to be here.”

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Norfolk Southern President and CEO Alan Shaw said in a letter to the community: “We are here and will stay here for as long as it takes to ensure your safety and to help East Palestine recover and thrive.”

At least five lawsuits have been filed against the company, which announced a $1m (£834m) fund to help the community.

Norfolk Southern continues to remove spilt contaminants from the ground and streams and monitor air quality.

Around 50 rail cars derailed on the outskirts of East Palestine on 3 February.

Officials seeking to avoid an uncontrolled blast evacuated the area and opted to release and burn toxic vinyl chloride from five rail cars, sending flames and black smoke billowing into the sky again.

The latest tests show five wells supplying the town’s drinking water are free from contaminants.

At least 3,500 fish, mainly consisting of small ones such as minnows and darters, have been found dead along more than seven miles of streams.

The suspected cause of the derailment is a mechanical issue with a rail car axle. The National Transportation Safety Board said it has a video appearing to show a wheel bearing overheating just beforehand.

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