On the eve of Thanksgiving, the small town of Livingston in Rockcastle County, Kentucky, faced an unexpected crisis. A CSX freight train derailed around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, causing a significant chemical spill and fire. The derailment involved 16 cars, two of which carried molten sulfur. This incident disrupted the holiday plans for the town’s residents and raised concerns about safety and environmental impacts.
As the molten sulfur spilled and caught fire, it released sulfur dioxide, a potentially harmful gas known for causing severe respiratory irritation. This led to the evacuation of many local residents, who found themselves spending Thanksgiving in makeshift shelters like Rockcastle County Middle School. The situation drew immediate parallels to the earlier East Palestine train derailment, raising questions about the safety of railroads.
CSX spokesperson Bryan Tucker confirmed that the fire was completely extinguished by Thursday. Air monitoring data reviewed by authorities and CSX officials indicated it was safe for residents to return home. Despite the swift action, the incident left many in the community shaken, especially those who were preparing for Thanksgiving celebrations.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in response to the derailment, ensuring state resources were available for the emergency response and recovery efforts. He called on the public to remember the affected residents and the first responders working to ensure their safety during the holiday period.
Health risks posed by sulfur dioxide were a significant concern. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to this gas can cause respiratory problems, depending on its concentration and duration of exposure. However, experts like Neil Donahue, a chemistry professor, noted that the threat from the chemicals would diminish quickly once the fire was extinguished.
CSX took responsibility for the incident, committing to cover the costs of those evacuated, including providing Thanksgiving dinners. The company is now focused on cleaning up the spilled chemicals and restoring the area.
This incident underscores the importance of railroad safety and the need for effective emergency response plans. As Livingston residents return to their homes and life slowly returns to normal, the derailment serves as a reminder of the potential dangers associated with chemical transport and the resilience of small communities in the face of such challenges.
