TN Writers | TN Stories: Yasmine S. Ali, M.D.

A gripping and meticulously crafted work of narrative nonfiction, Walk Through Fire: The Train Disaster That Changed America (on-sale February 21, 2023) reconstructs the events of a horrific explosion in 1978 that can still be felt today. The explosion of a tank car full of liquid propane devastated the small town of Waverly, Tennessee, shocked the nation, and led to the creation of transformational laws and regulations which have since been adopted by countries around the world as a template for disaster management. This horrendous conflagration – the result of multiple errors, missteps, miscommunications, and poor regulations – prompted the immediate overhauling of the US railroad industry from top to bottom; resulted in the implementation of new standards for hazmat handling, containment, and training; and served as a new model for firefighter and first-responder training across the globe.

Yasmine S. Ali, M.D., is a cardiologist and former president of the Vanderbilt History of Medicine Society. She graduated summa cum laude from Vanderbilt University’s College of Arts and Science with a BA in molecular biology and history, and graduated with multiple honors from Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. Dr. Ali grew up in Waverly, Tennessee, and still lives nearby. She personally knows the survivors of the Waverly Train Disaster.

This event is part of our TN Writers | TN Stories series presented in partnership with Humanities Tennessee, Chapter 16 and Vanderbilt University Press. Readings and discussions take place in the Digital Learning Center at the Tennessee State Museum. All events include an opportunity to purchase books through the Museum store and get them signed by the author.

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