LIVINGSTON, Ky. — In a press conference Friday, officials provided another update on Wednesday's train derailment that occurred just outside the town of Livingston.

What You Need To Know

  • A train derailment in Rockcastle County Wednesday led the governor to declare a state of emergency that forced residents in the town of Livingston to evacuate

  • In an update Friday, officials said CSX teams have begun removing the 16 cars from the derailment site

  • Teams verified that two molten sulfur cars were breached and lost some of their contents

  • Air and water quality will continue to be monitored until all cars and materials are removed from the site

According to an update from the press conference that was posted on the CSX website, CSX teams have started removing the 16 railcars from the derailment site.

"With the fire extinguished, teams were able to verify that two molten sulphur cars were breached and lost a portion of their contents," the update reads. "No other hazardous materials were released. Containment measures have been deployed to mitigate any impact to the environment as crews work to remove the damaged cars and remediate the area."

According to the state Energy and Environment Cabinet, the sulfur has now solidified. That cabinet also has a drone in the area collecting more information.

The update notes that air and water quality will continue to be monitored until all cars and materials are removed from the site. 

"Safety is the top priority for CSX as we continue to work closely with Rockcastle County emergency responders and the EPA to completely restore the area," the update reads.

It continues to say that they will work on recovering all product released and mitigate the environmental impacts before they rebuild the track.

“We’re now able to get in and begin safely removing cars," Joe McCann, director of emergency management and hazardous materials for CSX, said at a briefing Friday.

He said the derailment site is now reachable via an access road that has been built.

The cause of derailment, the update notes, is still under investigation.

After thanking county authorities and community members in the update for their assistance in the situation, CSX apologized "for the inconvenience this incident has caused the local community and is appreciative of everyone’s patience as we work to restore the area."

The company is continuing to supply food, lodging and necessities to those affected, the update notes.

Concerned Residents are able to call CSX at 1-800-805-9840.

The CSX Outreach Center is at the Old Livingston Gymnasium at 29 School St. in Livingston. It is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday for those needing help returning to their homes. It will be open Sunday and Monday to "reimburse affected residents for any wage loss, out-of-pocket expenses and other inconveniences.

The update finishes by noting that CSX will continue to work with authorities and emergency personnel to keep the community as up to date as possible.

Mason Brighton contributed to this report.

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