Current:Home > ScamsKentucky train derailment causes chemical spill, forces evacuations-DB Wealth Institute B2 Expert Reviews
Kentucky train derailment causes chemical spill, forces evacuations
View Date:2024-12-23 15:12:06
A train derailed and spilled chemicals in a remote part of eastern Kentucky on Wednesday, prompting officials to encourage residents of a small town to evacuate.
Gov. Andy Beshear said in a statement that local officials in Rockcastle County were encouraging residents of Livingston, with a population of about 200, to evacuate.
In a news release, railroad operator CSX said that the derailment occurred a little before 2:30 p.m. local time north of Livingston and involved at least 16 cars. Two cars containing sulfur were "breached" and some of the sulfur caught fire, CSX said, indicting that sulfur dioxide gas was being released into the air.
The company was conducting air quality testing in the area.
"We will work together with the local authorities to secure the area and safety is our top priority as we develop a recovery plan," CSX said.
One crew member was treated at the scene for minor injuries, CBS affiliate WKYT-TV reported.
A Red Cross emergency shelter was opened at a local middle school, the station said. CSX also said it would be covering the cost of hotel rooms for residents in the town of Mount Vernon.
"She says, 'You're evacuated, there's 12 to 14 cars in the river, you have to get out of here,'" Livingston resident Cindy Bradley told WKYT from the emergency shelter. "We said, 'What about Thanksgiving?'"
"I was freaking out, because I'm like, 'We're cooking, we have turkeys in the oven, we can't leave," Livingston resident Linda Todd told the station.
Beshear also declared a state of emergency in the county so more resources could be applied to the response.
"By issuing a state of emergency, we are ensuring that every state resource is available to help keep our families safe," Beshear said.
He urged people to avoid the area to allow state and local officials to respond.
It was not immediately clear how extensive the spill was or what impact it might have on the environment in the remote area. The sheriff and local judge executive didn't immediately respond to emails seeking further comment.
According to the American Lung Association, exposure to sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory issues such as shortness of breath, and long-term exposure can be especially hazardous to children, the elderly and those with asthma.
- In:
- Train Derailment
- Kentucky
veryGood! (93458)
Related
- The Daily Money: Mattel's 'Wicked' mistake
- 2024 NFL combine winners, losers: Which players helped or hurt draft stock?
- Singapore's Eras Tour deal causes bad blood with neighboring countries
- Untangling the Rumors Surrounding Noah Cyrus, Tish Cyrus and Dominic Purcell
- Disease could kill most of the ‘ohi‘a forests on Hawaii’s Big Island within 20 years
- Sinéad O'Connor's estate slams Donald Trump for using 'Nothing Compares 2 U' at rallies
- 'Dancing With the Stars' Maks Chmerkovskiy on turning 'So You Think You Can Dance' judge
- Mikaela Shiffrin preparing to return from downhill crash at slalom race in Sweden this weekend
- Ex-Duke star Kyle Singler draws concern from basketball world over cryptic Instagram post
- Nevada fake electors won’t stand trial until January 2025 under judge’s new schedule
Ranking
- Will Aaron Rodgers retire? Jets QB tells reporters he plans to play in 2025
- Idina Menzel wishes 'Adele Dazeem' a happy birthday 10 years after John Travolta gaffe
- Iris Apfel, fashion icon known for her eye-catching style, dies at 102
- Untangling the Rumors Surrounding Noah Cyrus, Tish Cyrus and Dominic Purcell
- Ryan Reynolds Makes Dream Come True for 9-Year-Old Fan Battling Cancer
- Haiti orders a curfew after gangs overrun its two largest prisons. Thousands have escaped
- Search continues for autistic Tennessee teen who walked away from home a week ago
- What is Super Tuesday and how does tomorrow's voting work?
Recommendation
-
Teachers in 3 Massachusetts communities continue strike over pay, paid parental leave
-
Texas wildfire update: Map shows ongoing devastation as blazes engulf over a million acres
-
Judge upholds Tennessee law to stop crossover voting in primaries. Critics say the law is too vague.
-
Driver accused of killing bride in golf cart crash on wedding day is now free on bond
-
‘Emilia Pérez’ wouldn’t work without Karla Sofía Gascón. Now, she could make trans history
-
Eagles center Jason Kelce retires after 13 NFL seasons and 1 Super Bowl ring
-
Get 62% off Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, 58% off Barefoot Dreams Blankets, 82% off Michael Kors Bags & More
-
Venus flytrap poachers arrested in taking of hundreds of rare plant