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A CSX train derailed in rural Kentucky, causing a massive 31-car pile-up and an emergency shelter-in-place order to be issued after dangerous chemicals spilled onto the tracks Tuesday (December 30), the New York Post reports.
The incident took place in Todd County just after 6:00 a.m. local time with at least one freight car reported to be leaking molten sulfur, which is capable of causing burns and spewing sulfur dioxide or hydrogen sulfide. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear shared a statement warning residents about the situation on his social media accounts.
"Kentucky, there has been a train derailment in Todd County, and local emergency management has issued a shelter-in-place order for the City of Trenton. Please follow local guidance and stay safe. More information will be shared as available for those in the surrounding area," Beshear wrote.
Photos captured at the scene showed damaged freight cars blocking the railroad tracks, as well as a white chemical leaking from at least one car. Responding officers confirmed that the situation was brought under control and the shelter order was lifted at around 11:00 a.m.
No injuries were reported in relation to the incident.
“It could have been catastrophic,” said Todd County Executive Todd Mansfield via FOX 17 News.
CSX Transportation spokesman Austin Staton confirmed that the incident was still under investigation in a statement to the New York Post.
“CSX crews remain on scene and are working as safely and as quickly as possible to clean up the impacted site,” Staton said. “We appreciate the swift response and coordination of local first responders and emergency management officials.”
