STATE OF EMERGENCY issued for Rockcastle County
Governor Andy Beshear and the Rockcastle County judge executive have declared a state of emergency for the county.
Rockcastle County, Kentucky: A CSX train derailed earlier today in between Mullins Station and Livingston in Rockcastle County with 13 cars derailing. This caused hazardous chemicals to be released into the air causing local emergency personnel to strongly encourage evacuations for the cities of Piney Branch and Livingston.
Rockcastle County School system has set up a shelter at the Rockcastle County Middle School for evacuees to go to until it is safe to return back to their homes.
Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency along with the Rockcastle County judge/executive. 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 Kentucky families and communities. Response efforts for the incident are still ongoing.
“By issuing a state of emergency, we are ensuring that every state resource is available to help keep our families safe,” Gov. Beshear said. “Please stay clear of this area as state, local and CSX officials respond.”
US 25 is also shut down in both directions from the Laurel County line to mile marker 7 in Rockcastle County until further notice.
Rockcastle County Sheriff Shannon Franklin, said clean up could last through the weekend but it is unclear how long the evacuations will be encouraged.
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