Ongoing Evacuations amid Fire from Train Derailment and Molten Sulfur Spillage in Kentucky
Dire situation in central Kentucky as a fiery train derailment forces evacuations on Thanksgiving eve Molten sulfur spill and ongoing blaze remain a major concern, with containment efforts only at 50% Stay updated for further developments
People in central Kentucky were urged to evacuate ahead of Thanksgiving due to a train derailment, with more than a dozen freight cars involved. The incident resulted in a spill of molten sulfur and a fire that was only 50% contained by Thursday morning, according to officials. The derailment, which occurred north of Livingston, involved at least 16 cars, including two molten sulfur cars that had been breached and were on fire, as reported by CSX, the train operator. Livingston is a small city located around 60 miles south of Lexington.
CSX stated that burning molten sulfur releases sulfur dioxide, a colorless gas with a strong odor, which can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat. Additionally, exposure to its liquid form could cause frostbite, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. CSX also mentioned that specialized equipment is being used to conduct air monitoring in the area.
The Pueblo County Sheriff's Office released this photo of the police responding to a train derailment near Pueblo, Colo., on Sunday, Oct. 15, 2023. The derailment caused coal to spew and train cars to become mangled across the highway. (Joshua Johnson/Pueblo County Sheriff's Office via AP)
Joshua Johnson/Pueblo County Sheriff's Office/AP
Colorados I-25 is partially closed after a coal train derailed off a bridge and killed a semi-truck driver, authorities say
"The response to the ongoing incident is continuing, and officials are advising residents in Livingston to evacuate," stated Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear's office on Wednesday. CNN has contacted Rockcastle County officials for further details.
As of Thursday morning, 50% of the fire had been contained, but evacuated residents were still unable to return home, according to Kentucky Emergency Management spokesperson Jordan Yuodis.
"Many families in Livingston will be displaced for Thanksgiving due to the train derailment. Governor Beshear asked for thoughts and prayers for their return home on Thursday morning via Facebook.
Matthew Huyser, on-site coordinator for the Environmental Protection Agency, stated that the agency is monitoring sulfur dioxide levels in the county. While the derailment initially caused increased levels, they have since decreased as the fire is being extinguished."
According to the EPA website, short-term exposure to sulfur dioxide can cause harm to the human respiratory system and particularly affect breathing for children and individuals with asthma.
Huyser did not specify the measured levels of sulfur dioxide overnight, but stated that the objective is to achieve zero levels. He noted, "It seems that the firefighting efforts have effectively reduced and eliminated the hazards that were being measured."
CSX said it will provide food, shelter and Thanksgiving dinner for the displaced families.
Linda Todd said she evacuated her Livingston home Wednesday after she was warned of safety concerns.
"I was panicking when I mentioned, 'We're cooking, we have turkeys in the ovens. We can't leave.' They insisted, 'You have to go, it's a dangerous situation. You have to go,'" Todd informed CNN affiliate WYMT.
In response to the derailment, Beshear declared a state of emergency, and his office reported that the state's Emergency Operations Center has been activated.
"We are taking necessary measures to ensure that every state resource is accessible to ensure the safety of our families," expressed Beshear. "For your safety, please refrain from entering this area while state, local, and CSX officials are responding."
A drone-captured aerial image displays the aftermath of a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, USA, on 17 February 2023. The derailment, which occurred on 03 February, has caused concern among residents due to the release of toxic chemicals. Cleanup efforts are underway, with damaged railroad tank cars scattered throughout the area. This has prompted evacuation orders for many of the town's approximately 5,000 residents, as officials work to address the release of hazardous chemicals such as vinyl chloride, butyl acrylate, and others. Some residents have reported experiencing symptoms including headaches, rashes, dizziness, and nausea, as well as fish kills and effects on pets. The photo was taken by Tannen Maury/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock.
Norfolk Southern has incurred $1 billion in costs due to the East Palestine train derailment. The incident occurred at around 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday, according to CSX. The derailment occurred between Mullins Station and Livingston, as reported by the Rockcastle County sheriff to CNN affiliate WKYT. One member of the two-person crew received treatment at the scene for minor injuries, according to the train company.
CSX reported Thursday that two of the derailed cars contained magnesium hydroxide, but there was no evidence that they were damaged. The remaining cars either carried non-hazardous materials or were empty. Following the crash, US 25 was closed in both directions from the Laurel County line to Calloway Branch Road. It is currently uncertain when the road will be reopened, as stated by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet for District 8 in a social media post on Wednesday evening.
CSX is collaborating with local authorities to secure the area and create a plan for recovery.
The company is urging residents near the incident to use the accommodations secured in Mt. Vernon, KY if they are worried about their safety. Additionally, CSX teams are partnering with local restaurants to offer meals to residents impacted by the incident.
Correction: A previous version of this report misstated the agency Jordan Youdis represents. He is the public information officer for Kentucky Emergency Management.
