Derailed train in Kentucky causes a chemical leak and sparks a fire
TRENTON, Ky. — A derailed CSX train released a flammable chemical and sparked a fire in a rural part of southern Kentucky on Tuesday, prompting authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order that was later lifted for nearby residents.
No injuries were reported after 31 rail cars derailed around 6:15 a.m. CST in Todd County, CSX said in a statement. The derailment caused molten sulfur to leak from a train car and sparked a fire that was put out Tuesday morning, the company said.
Crews on site were working “as safely and quickly as possible” to clean up the site, he added.
“We appreciate the rapid response and coordination of local first responders and emergency management officials,” the company said. “Our primary focus remains the health and safety of on-site personnel, the surrounding community and the mitigation of any potential risks to the environment. »
The released chemical can be toxic when on fire, the company said. But air quality tests at the derailment site indicated “all is well now” and the stay-at-home order was lifted, said Ash Groves, Todd County emergency management director.
Todd County officials had issued a containment order for a half-mile around the affected site as a precaution.
The derailment occurred about 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) west of downtown Trenton, or about 55 miles (88.5 kilometers) northwest of Nashville, Tennessee.
