Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency on Wednesday after a train derailed in Livingston and spilled burning chemicals, sending plumes of smoke into the air.
At least 16 southbound CSX train cars were involved in the derailment that happened at about 2:23 p.m. north of the small town of 400 in Rockcastle County, CSX said.
Two of the trains were carrying liquid sulfur that leaked during the derailment and caught fire, according to the company. When liquid sulfur burns, it often releases sulfur dioxide, which can be toxic.
Livingston and Piney Branch residents were encouraged to evacuate as the Rockcastle County judge/executive also declared a state of emergency for the county.
Officers went door-to-door urging people to leave the area, local CBS News affiliate station WKYT reported.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency because of the train derailment and chemical spill. WKYT
Many families were preparing for Thanksgiving when they were told about the evacuation.
They were taken to Rockcastle County High School, where Red Cross officials turned the gym into an emergency shelter with dozens of cots.
“It’s overwhelming, it’s scary, it’s unpredictable,” a woman at the gymnasium shelter told a local news station. “We don’t know how long we will be here, what will happen. Our house is empty. it is [the] holidays. It just makes you want to cry.”
Police were spotted at the scene where a train derailed in Livingston and spilled burning chemicals. WKYT
CSX said it uses specialized equipment to monitor air quality in the area and is in close contact with Rockcastle County emergency officials.
The company also said it would cover hotel and restaurant costs for affected residents.
Meanwhile, Beshear said, statewide emergency orders allow the state to activate resources such as Kentucky Emergency Management and the Kentucky National Guard and deploy them to counties as needed.
Residents in the area are encouraged to evacuate, as the Rockcastle County judge/executive also declared a state of emergency for the county. Lex18
“By issuing a state of emergency, we are making sure every state resource is available to help keep our families safe,” Governor Beshear said in a statement. “Please stay away from this area while state, local and CSX officials respond.”
US 25 is closed in both directions between the Laurel County line and Calloway Branch Road, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said.
A CSX crew member was treated at the scene of the derailment for minor injuries, according to WKYT.
Last winter, a train carrying toxic chemicals derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, forcing the evacuation of hundreds of residents before authorities conducted a controlled burn.
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