A train derailed and spilled chemicals in a remote part of eastern Kentucky on Wednesday, prompting officials to encourage residents of a small town to evacuate.
Gov. Andy Beshear said in a statement that local officials in Rockcastle County were encouraging residents of Livingston, with a population of about 200, to evacuate.
In a news release, railroad operator CSX said that the derailment occurred a little before 2:30 p.m. local time north of Livingston and involved at least 16 cars. Two cars containing sulfur were “breached” and some of the sulfur caught fire, CSX said, indicting that sulfur dioxide gas was being released into the air.
The company was conducting air quality testing in the area.
“We will work together with the local authorities to secure the area and safety is our top priority as we develop a recovery plan,” CSX said.
One crew member was treated at the scene for minor injuries, CBS affiliate WKYT-TV reported.
A Red Cross emergency shelter was opened at a local middle school, the station said. CSX also said it would be covering the cost of hotel rooms for residents in the town of Mount Vernon.
“She says, ‘You’re evacuated, there’s 12 to 14 cars in the