Kentucky Governor Declares State of Emergency Following Train Derailment and Chemical Spill

Residents of Livingston Allowed to Return Home After CSX Extinguishes Fire and Ensures Safety

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency following a train derailment in Rockcastle County that resulted in a chemical spill and fire on November 22, 2023.
The CSX train derailment involved 16 cars, two of which were carrying molten sulfur that caught fire and spilled, releasing potentially harmful sulfur dioxide into the air.
Residents of the small town of Livingston, with a population of about 200, were encouraged to evacuate, with some spending Thanksgiving in a middle school shelter.
CSX, the railroad operator, stated that the fire was completely extinguished by the afternoon of November 23, and air monitoring data indicated it was safe for residents to return home.
CSX covered the costs of hotel rooms and meals for the affected residents, and cleanup efforts are underway to restore the area.