Shelter-in-place order lifted following train derailment in Kentucky
THE LATEST: (From WHAS11.com) – TRENTON, Ky. — Cleanup efforts are underway near Kentucky’s southern border after a train derailed Tuesday morning.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) said the train derailment has blocked U.S. 41 between the City of Trenton in Todd County and the City of Pembroke in Christian County.
In a statement, CSX Railroad said 31 train cars derailed around 7:15 a.m. near Tress Shop Road and Dixie Bee Line Highway in Trenton.
The derailment caused a leak of molten sulfur from one rail car and sparked a fire that was extinguished by late Tuesday morning.
The chemical substance that leaked can be toxic when it is on fire, the company said.
Air quality testing at the site indicated that “everything is good now,” Todd County Emergency Management Director Ash Groves said.
A shelter-in-place order for those living within a mile of the crash site was lifted around 12:30 p.m.
Todd County Judge Executive Todd Mansfield said a hazmat team from Christian County responded to the scene.
No injuries have been reported.
“CSX crews remain on scene and are working as safely and quickly as possible to clean up the impacted site. We appreciate the swift response and coordination of local first responders and emergency management officials,” a CSX spokesperson added. “Our primary focus continues to be the health and safety of onsite personnel, the surrounding community, and mitigating any potential risk to the environment.”
KYTC said the U.S. 41 is expected to remain closed for an extended period of time as cleanup continues.
“It seems like the situation is under control, but it is going to take some time to get it cleaned up,” Mansfield said earlier Tuesday morning.
Trenton is located about an hour southwest of Bowling Green, Ky., near the Kentucky-Tennessee state line.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
UPDATE: 1:30 p.m. Todd County Judge Executive Todd Mansfield has lifted the shelter-in-place order for residents.
ORIGINAL STORY:
TRENTON, Ky. (ABC36 NEWS NOW) — A train derailment in Todd County has prompted local emergency officials to issue a shelter-in-place order for the city of Trenton, according to Gov. Andy Beshear.
Emergency management officials are urging residents to follow local guidance and remain indoors while crews assess the situation.
Authorities have not released information about injuries, hazardous materials, or what caused the derailment.
In a post on Facebook, the Todd County Sheriff’s Office said Trenton and Todd County residents who have been displaced because of the derailment can seek shelter at Tiny Town Bingo in Guthrie.
Officials say additional information will be shared as it becomes available.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local alerts and emergency communications for updates.
