The cause of a train derailment that resulted in two small towns being evacuated has been released.
CSX said in a news release that a “failed wheel bearing” caused 16 of 40 railcars to derail on Wednesday afternoon in Livingston, a small town in Rockcastle County. Residents of Livingston and nearby Piney Branch were evacuated after molten sulfur spilled from the train causing a large fire that took nearly 24 hours to extinguish.
When molten sulfur burns, it releases sulfur dioxide, CSX officials said, a colorless gas with a strong odor. Exposure to the gas can cause irritation to the eyes, nose and throat.
Only one person, a member of the train’s crews, reported being injured.
CSX said 2,500 tons of tainted soil have been replaced at the accident site.
Residents were evacuated to a middle school and served Thanksgiving dinner, courtesy of CSX, at a church in Mt. Vernon.
“CSX extends its deepest gratitude to Rockcastle County authorities for their support and close collaboration throughout the response to this incident,” the railroad company said. “We are also thankful for the community members and local businesses that worked with us to help residents that were affected, especially those that assisted us in serving Thanksgiving dinners for the community. CSX apologizes for the inconvenience this incident caused the local community and is appreciative for everyone’s patience throughout the recovery effort.”
(Photo: Aerial view of train derailment in Rockcastle County, courtesy of WLEX.com)
By Ken Howlett, News Director
Contact Ken at ken@k105.com
