Some residents in central Kentucky were urged to leave their homes after more than a dozen freight train cars derailed, spilling molten sulfur and starting a fire ahead of Thanksgiving.
“Response efforts for the incident are ongoing, and local officials are encouraging those in the town of Livingston to evacuate,” Gov. Andy Beshear (D-KY) said in a statement on Wednesday.
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Livingston has a population of 165, according to the latest census.
“It’s just really scary. We don’t know how long this is,” Cindy Bradley, a Livingston resident, told WTVQ Wednesday night, surrounded by dozens of cots. “This could be tonight. This could be three weeks. Who knows?”
In a statement on Wednesday, CSX, the train operator, said at least 16 cars were derailed, “including two molten sulfur cars that have been breached and have lost some of their contents which is on fire.”
“When molten sulphur burns it is known to release sulphur dioxide. Specialized equipment is being deployed to conduct air monitoring in the area,” the statement said. “CSX is in close contact with the Rockcastle County emergency teams as they continue to assess the situation and we appreciate their swift response. We will work together with the local authorities to secure the area and safety is our top priority as we develop a recovery plan.”
The company later said in a Thursday afternoon update that the fires had been extinguished and that authorities are still evaluating whether the area is safe for residents to return.
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CSX had encouraged those forced to flee the area to “utilize the lodging” that it had secured in Mount Vernon, Kentucky.
“In addition to the hotels, the CSX team is working with local restaurants to provide meals for affected residents. CSX is covering the cost for both,” the statement said.
