On the afternoon of November 22, 2023, at approximately 2:23 PM ET, a CSX mixed freight train derailed in Rockcastle County, Kentucky, causing a major spill of molten sulfur chemicals near Roundstone Creek, a creek located northwest of Livingston. Only one member of the CSX train's two-person crew was treated at the scene for minor injuries. The incident occurred six days after a similar CSX derailment that happened in Atlanta, Georgia.

Background

The derailment occurred in the backdrop of an "alarming" number of derailments in 2023 in the United States.[1]

Shortly after the derailment, the town of Livingston was evacuated. The governor of Kentucky declared a state of emergency in the entire surroundings of Rockcastle County in connection of the derailment and the chemicals, but was lifted several hours later.[2][3]

A total of 15 out of the 40 cars of the train derailed, and at least only two were breached. The train spilled burning molten sulfur chemicals that created a large plumes of smoke. The derailment occurred near both Roundstone Creek and Ten Foot Hole Road, which is part of the Roundstone watershed.[4][5] The chemicals released were suspected to include sulfur dioxide, which is harmful in high concentrations and as a background pollutant.[6]

References

  1. ↑ https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2023/6/new-map-shows-hazardous-train-derailments-pose-an-urgent-threat-to-communities
  2. ↑ Vancampen, Margaret (November 22, 2023). "Kentucky governor declares state of emergency after train derails in Rockcastle County". WHAS 11. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  3. ↑ Ward, Karla (November 23, 2023). "Updated: Fire extinguished, residents encouraged to return home after train derailment". Lexington Herald Leader. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  4. ↑ Sizemore, Anthony; Aaron, Cameron; Pendleton, Phil (November 22, 2023). "Chemicals spill in Rockcastle Co. train derailment, hundreds of people evacuated". WYMT. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  5. ↑ Pendleton, Phil; Umbro, Jessica (November 22, 2023). "Evacuation order issued after Rockcastle Co. train derailment lifted". WKYT. Retrieved November 24, 2023.
  6. ↑ Massengill, Dustin (November 23, 2023). "Thanksgiving disrupted in Kentucky town after chemical spill, train derailment". 10wavy. Retrieved November 24, 2023.

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