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A chemical fire caused by a train derailment in Livingston, Kentucky has been extinguished, leading to the return of displaced residents. Two of the 16 derailed train cars were carrying molten sulfur, which caught fire, potentially releasing sulfur dioxide – a gas that can cause respiratory problems. The rail operator, CSX, is now working to clean up spilled chemicals and has assured to cover the costs of anyone asked to evacuate due to the incident.
LIVINGSTON, Ky. – Chemical Fire Extinguished, Evacuees Can Return Home
A chemical fire caused by a Kentucky train derailment has been extinguished, allowing evacuees to return home, announced rail operator CSX on Thursday.
CSX spokesperson, Bryan Tucker, confirmed in an email on Thursday afternoon that “the fire is completely out.” He added that after reviewing air monitoring data, authorities and CSX officials deemed it safe for residents to return home.
The CSX train derailment occurred Wednesday afternoon near Livingston, a remote town in Rockcastle County, prompting the evacuation of its 200 residents.
According to CSX, two of the derailed 16 cars carried molten sulfur, which caught fire after the cars were breached. The fire may have released the potentially harmful gas sulfur dioxide, but official measurements have not been released.
Potential Health Risks of Sulfur Dioxide Exposure
As stated on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) website, sulfur dioxide can cause respiratory problems, depending on exposure duration and concentration.
Neil Donahue, a chemistry professor at Carnegie Mellon University, explained that sulfur dioxide’s effects are direct and quick, irritating the lungs and skin. However, once the fire was extinguished, the threat from the chemicals was expected to dissipate quickly.
CSX Response and Cleanup Effort
CSX is now focused on cleaning up the additional spilled chemical and restoring the area. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in the county and assured that all necessary state resources would be provided.
CSX has vowed to cover the evacuation costs, including Thanksgiving dinners for the affected residents.
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