CSX train derailment in Kentucky prompts evacuations, state of emergency declaration
Friday, 12 p.m. ET update: CSX has deployed containment measures as it removes damaged rail cars and remediates the area. The rail carrier will continue to monitor air and surface water quality as crews remove rail cars and materials from the derailment site.
Thursday, 4 p.m. ET update: CSX says “specialized equipment has been deployed to conduct air monitoring in the area and local authorities have determined it safe for residents to return to their homes.”
A CSX train carrying molten sulfur derailed in rural Kentucky on Wednesday afternoon, prompting a voluntary evacuation of nearby residents and a state of emergency declaration by Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear.
The derailment, which occurred at 2:33 p.m. ET on Wednesday just north of Livingston, Kentucky, in Rockcastle County, involved 16 rail cars, two of which spilled molten sulfur, CSX (NASDAQ: CSX) confirmed Thursday. The derailment sparked a fire, which CSX and local responders extinguished as of Thursday afternoon.
Specialized equipment had been deployed to conduct air monitoring in the area as molten sulfur is known to release sulfur dioxide when it burns, CSX said.
Two cars carrying magnesium hydroxide were also involved, although there was no indication that those cars were breached, CSX also said. Other cars that had derailed were either empty or carrying non-hazardous products, such as grain or plastic.
No injuries occurred as a result of the incident, and the cause of the derailment is under investigation. CSX said.
In response to the fire and the nature of materials that were spilled, Beshear declared a state of emergency, which allows the state of Kentucky to activate resources for community members, including Kentucky Emergency Management and the Kentucky National Guard, according to a Wednesday news release from Beshear’s office. The Rockcastle County judge/executive board also declared a state of emergency.
Authorities also recommended that Levingston residents evacuate, according to CSX.
Beshear said the state’s Emergency Operations Center has been activated, and the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet Emergency Response Team is also on scene.
With the fire now extinguished, CSX is focusing on recovering product on the ground and removing the derailed cars. It will also be working with Rockcastle emergency responders and the Environmental Protection Agency to restore the area, CSX said.
“CSX is committed to recovering all product released and mitigating environmental impacts before rebuilding our track,” CSX said in a Friday update on the incident.
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