Kentucky Town Evacuates After Train Derailment Causes Chemical Spill
- A train in eastern Kentucky derailed, spilling molten sulfur and resulting in a fire, leading officials to encourage evacuation due to air quality concerns. The derailment involved 16 cars, two of which were carrying the molten sulfur. The fire was reported as 50% contained, and the amount of sulfur dioxide released will be confirmed once air monitoring measurements are taken.
- Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in the county, stating that all state resources will be made available for the safety of residents. Residents of Livingston, a small town with around 200 inhabitants, were particularly encouraged to evacuate, and a shelter was established in a local middle school.
- Railroad operator CSX said that specialized equipment has been deployed for air monitoring, as sulfur dioxide, a byproduct of burning sulfur, can cause respiratory problems. Other cars involved in the derailment contained non-hazardous substances or were empty. CSX is also providing food, lodging, and other necessities to affected communities, covering the expenses incurred.
Train Derailment Leads to Molten Sulfur Spill in Kentucky
A train derailed, spilling molten sulfur in a remote eastern Kentucky area, leading to possible air quality issues. Rockcastle County officials advised residents of Livingston, a small town of around 200 people, to evacuate. An evacuation center was established in a nearby middle school.
The derailment, which happened around 2:30 p.m., involved 16 cars, two of which were carrying molten sulfur that caught fire after a breach, said Bryan Tucker, CSX railroad operator spokesperson. NBC affiliate WLEX reported the fire to be 50% contained.
CSX, in a statement, noted the deployment of specialized equipment for area air monitoring due to the sulfur dioxide release when molten sulfur burns. The actual amount of sulfur dioxide released will only be confirmed once measurements are taken.
Two other derailed cars contained magnesium hydroxide but were not breached. The remaining cars were either empty or carrying non-hazardous items like grain or plastic. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) explains sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory problems depending on exposure duration and concentration.
No details on the quantity of chemicals released were available from the state Energy and Environment Cabinet spokesperson, John Mura. WKYT-TV reported minor injuries treatment of one crew member on the scene.
A state of emergency was declared in the county by Governor Andy Beshear to ensure access to all state resources for safety. He urged avoidance of the area to enable state and local officials’ response.
CSX confirmed supplying communities affected by the spill with food, lodging, and other necessities. Costs associated with hosting residents in two Mount Vernon, Kentucky hotels are being covered by the company.
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