LIVINGSTON, Ky. — CSX and local emergency responders are still working to extinguish the fire from a train derailment in Rockcastle County that happened just north of Livingston at 2:30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The derailment involved 16 cars, including two molten sulfur cars that lost some of their contents which continue to burn.
Gov. Andy Beshear, D-Ky., declared a state of emergency following the multi-car derailment, forcing residents of Livingston are to evacuate.
Two cars containing magnesium hydroxide involved in the incident, but there is no indication that these cars were breached, according to CSX.
"The remaining cars were either empty or carrying non-hazardous products like grain or plastic," the company said in a statement. "Specialized equipment has been deployed to conduct air monitoring in the area as molten sulphur is known to release sulphur dioxide when it burns. Our immediate focus is on safely extinguishing the fire."
Rockcastle County dispatch told Spectrum News 1, the derailment forced everyone in the community to leave their homes.
Rockcastle County judge/executive Howell Holbrook declared a state of emergency for the county and the Governor’s executive order allows the state to activate resources, including Kentucky Emergency Management and the Kentucky National Guard, as needed to help protect families and the community.
“By issuing a state of emergency, we are ensuring that every state resource is available to help keep our families safe,” Beshear said. “Please stay clear of this area as state, local and CSX officials respond.”
The state’s Emergency Operations Center was activated to Level 4. The state’s Energy and Environment Cabinet Emergency Response Team is also on scene.
The governor has also activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect families from grossly overpriced goods and services. With the state of emergency in place, consumers in the commonwealth can report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General. Under state law, price gougers can be held accountable.
Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg said federal railroad personal are in the area to assist.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said on X, U.S. 25 was blocked in both directions in Laurel County at mile marker 0 to Calloway Branch Road at mile marker 47 because of the derailment on Wednesday. They said it was unknown how long the road would be closed
.According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 200 people live in Livingston.
This is a developing story. We will add more details when they become available.