Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency after a train derailment Wednesday caused a chemical spill.
According to reports, the remote Rockcastle County towns of Livingston and Piney Branch were evacuated following the multi-car derailment.
Livingston has a population of approximately 200 residents.
Fox News reports at least 15 train cars were involved in the incident.
“CSX said that the derailment occurred about 2:23 p.m. and that 15 cars were involved in the derailment between Mullins Station and Livingston, Ky., and that two cars containing sulphur had been breached and lost some of their contents,” Trains reports.
“One member of the two-person crew was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Police are strongly encouraging residents to evacuate the area,” Rawsalerts noted.
🚨#BREAKING: State of Emergency has been Declared as Two Kentucky Towns Evacuated Following Hazardous Chemical Spill from Derailed Train⁰⁰📌#Livingston | #Kentucky
Currently state of emergency has been declared with two Kentucky towns, Livingston and Piney Branch, following a… pic.twitter.com/nnNr4ptG05
— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 23, 2023
“By issuing a state of emergency, we are ensuring that every state resource is available to help keep our families safe,” Beshear said.
“Please stay clear of this area as state, local and CSX officials respond,” he added.
Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency following a multiple-car train derailment that occurred in Rockcastle County this afternoon.
Read more: https://t.co/F134NQ7xzb pic.twitter.com/mtSrYCWsl8
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) November 23, 2023
Read the full statement from Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear:
Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency following a multiple-car train derailment that occurred in Rockcastle County this afternoon.
The Rockcastle County judge/executive has declared a state of emergency for the county and the Governor’s executive order allows the state to activate resources, including Kentucky Emergency Management and the Kentucky National Guard, as needed to help protect Kentucky families and communities. Response efforts for the incident are ongoing, and local officials are encouraging those in the town of Livingston to evacuate.
“By issuing a state of emergency, we are ensuring that every state resource is available to help keep our families safe,” Gov. Beshear said. “Please stay clear of this area as state, local and CSX officials respond.”
The state’s Emergency Operations Center has also been activated to Level 4. The state’s Energy and Environment Cabinet Emergency Response Team is also on scene.
The Governor has also activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect families from grossly overpriced goods and services. With the state of emergency in place, consumers in the commonwealth can report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General. Under state law, price gougers can be held accountable.
Toxic train just derailed in Kentucky forcing residents in two towns to evacuate.
Joe Biden still hasn’t visited East Palestine, Ohio like he promised months ago after its toxic train derailment.
These will keep happening as Pete Buttigieg hasn’t done anything to prevent them. pic.twitter.com/NH9chHasrB
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) November 23, 2023
LEX 18 added:
CSX reports that crews are continuing to assess the situation and out of an abundance of caution, a half-mile evacuation has been implemented, impacting about a dozen homes.
Police are strongly encouraging residents of Piney Branch Road and Livingston to evacuate. Residents can go to Rockcastle County Middle School for shelter.
CSX is providing assistance to affected residents including providing hotel vouchers and food.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reports that U.S. 25 is closed in both directions between the Laurel County line and Calloway Branch Road.