Sign up to our Evening Headlines email for your daily guide to the latest news Sign up to our free US Evening Headlines email
Please enter a valid email address
Please enter a valid email address
SIGN UP
I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy notice
Thanks for signing up to the
Evening Headlines email
{{ #verifyErrors }} {{ message }} {{ /verifyErrors }} {{ ^verifyErrors }} Something went wrong. Please try again later {{ /verifyErrors }}
Authorities ordered residents of a small and remote Kentucky town to immediately evacuate as they declared a state of emergency on Wednesday after a train derailed and spilled chemicals.
At least 16 train cars derailed in Rockcastle County and two carrying sulphur ended up catching fire and releasing toxic fumes in the area, according to railway officials.
Kentucky governor Andy Beshear said the Rockcastle County urged residents in Livingston, a town with the population of 200, to evacuate.
He declared a state of emergency to ensure “every state resource is available to help keep our families safe”.
“Please stay clear of this area as state, local and CSX officials respond,” his statement said.
RECOMMENDED
Freddie Flintoff ‘voiced safety worries’ about Top Gear stunt before ‘horrific’ crash
Undo
Everything we know about North Wales crash that killed four boys on camping trip
Undo
Interactive Brokers
Try GlobalAnalyst Today!Interactive Brokers| Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Navy Quest Game
Play this game for 1 minute and see why everyone is addicted.Navy Quest Game| Sponsored Sponsored
Undo
Powered by Taboola Powered by Taboola
Railroad operator CSX said on Thursday that the train derailed north of Livingston at 2.23pm and preliminary information indicated “that at least 16 cars were involved, including two molten sulphur cars that have been breached and have lost some of their contents which is on fire”.
At least one crew member was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Authorities continue to assess the threat from the chemical leak.
“When molten sulphur burns it is known to release sulphur dioxide,” CSX said in its statement.
“Specialised equipment is being deployed to conduct air monitoring in the area.
“CSX is in close contact with the Rockcastle County emergency teams as they continue to assess the situation and we appreciate their swift response.”
Promoted stories
Health Benefits
Brain Scan Uncovers Real Cause of Tinnitus and Its Method (It's Genius)Health Benefits
Undo
by Taboola by Taboola
Sponsored Links Sponsored Links
Promoted Links Promoted Links
The railroad operator also urged residents near where the incident occurred to utilise lodging offered by the company in Mt Vernon.
It said they are also working with local restaurants and hotels to provide meals for affected residents.
The state authorities have provided shelter to the people at a local middle school.
It is not immediately clear how extensive the spill was or what impact it might have on the environment in the remote area.
Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 8 said US Route 25 was blocked in both directions following the train derailment.
More about Livingston Andy Beshear Kentucky
Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments
1/ 1Kentucky town asked to evacuate as train derails, spilling chemicals
Kentucky town asked to evacuate as train derails, spilling chemicals
File photo of a CSX freight train passing through Homestead
AP
Read More Comments
Collapse Comments
？ Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Subscribe
Already subscribed? Log in