Update, 2:50 p.m.: KYTC says all lanes of U.S. 41 are blocked between Pembroke and Trenton near the Christian-Todd County line.
The roadway is blocked to through traffic from KY 115 in Pembroke (Christian) and KY 104 in Trenton (Todd). On the Christian County side, through traffic is being diverted via KY 115 to I-24 in the south or U.S. 68 in the north, according to a news release from KYTC.
All lanes of U.S. 41 will remain closed until cleanup is complete. It is anticipated that this will take 24-48 hours.
Update, 12:10 p.m.: Todd County Emergency Management has lifted the shelter in place order as the leak of molten, liquid sulfur has been contained. Air quality testing has confirmed that there is no further threat to the public.
CSX released an updated statement saying in part, “CSX crews remain on scene and are working as safely and quickly as possible to clean up the impacted site. We appreciate the swift response and coordination of local first responders and emergency management officials.”
Next steps include cleanup efforts, removal of damaged cars, and an investigation into the cause of the accident, according to TCEM. Surrounding emergency services have assisted since the derailment, with Christian County Emergency Management and Hopkinsville Fire on the scene.
Update, 10:05 a.m.: CSX has issued the following statement to Christian County Now regarding the train derailment early Tuesday morning. It has been updated with the latest information from CSX.
“At approximately 7:15 a.m. ET on Tuesday, Dec. 30, a CSX train derailed 31 rail cars located near Trenton Tress Shop Road and Dixie Bee Line Highway in Trenton, Kentucky. Todd County Emergency Management was immediately notified and quickly responded to the scene. As a precaution, Todd County issued a half-mile shelter-in-place order around the impacted site. No injuries were reported.
CSX crews are currently on scene and working as safely and quickly as possible to clean up the impacted site. Our primary focus is on the health and safety of onsite staff and personnel, the surrounding community, and mitigating potential risk to the environment. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.“
Update, 9:30 a.m.: Lieutenant Patrick Turner with the Todd County Sheriff’s Office was on the scene of a nearby blockade in downtown Trenton. He told Christian County Now that the smoke coming from the wreckage has the potential to be hazardous to the public, and the leak is suspected of being liquid sulfur.
“The cleanup is going to be long term, this is going to take several days,” said Turner. He added that there is a shelter in place order in affect for nearby residents.
It has been confirmed that over a dozen train cars derailed during the accident. Due to increased winds, roadblocks have been extended beyond downtown.
Update, 8:45 a.m.: The Todd County Sheriff’s Department has announced that anyone within a half-mile of the train derailment in Trenton should turn off their home heating/air systems. Any Trenton or Todd County resident displaced due to the train derailment, can seek shelter at the Bingo Barn in Guthrie, 7087 Guthrie Road, Guthrie KY.
Previously:
CHRISTIAN COUNTY, KY (CHRISTIAN COUNTY NOW) – Emergency crews and are responding to a trail derailment that occurred Tuesday morning just before 7 a.m. Five to six train cars have overturned, and a leak has been confirmed by Hopkinsville Fire.
According to dispatch in Christian County, a train derailment has been reported near Trenton. This is currently blocking Pembroke Road near the Todd and Christian County line. Payton Rogers with the Hopkinsville Fire Department told Christian County Now that currently have a HAZMAT team responding to the area.
KYTC currently has the southbound lanes of U.S. 41 blocked at KY 1453 at the Christian-Todd County Line. Northbound traffic is still moving. Barricades and signage are being placed at KY 115 in Pembroke to divert larger vehicles towards I-24 in the south or U.S. 68 in the north. The duration of this closure is unknown.
More information will be shared as it becomes available.
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