Early Tuesday, over 30 freight train cars derailed in Kentucky, with at least one car leaking a hazardous chemical, according to officials.
The incident unfolded around 7 a.m. in the rural region of Todd County. Authorities issued a half-mile shelter-in-place order, which was lifted by 11 a.m.
Aerial photos captured the scene, showing freight cars sprawled and piled against each other along the tracks in rural Kentucky. Several cars lay on their sides, with debris scattered across the adjacent fields.
One of the derailed cars released molten sulfur, a liquid form of sulfur used in industrial applications like fertilizer production. The Environmental Protection Agency warns that molten sulfur can cause severe burns and emit irritating gases, such as sulfur dioxide or hydrogen sulfide, if disturbed.
Aerial footage revealed numerous freight cars derailed and piled along the tracks in rural Kentucky following the accident involving 31 cars, including at least one carrying molten sulfur. (Hopkinsville Fire and EMS)
The total number of cars in the train was not specified, but many remained on the tracks and were unaffected by the derailment.
Multiple towns and state emergency management officials responded to the scene. No homes were immediately affected.
There were no reported injuries, according to Fox Nashville. Air quality in the area has been deemed safe, the outlet reported.
Members of Hopkinsville Fire and EMS review aerial footage on a handheld device during the response to a freight train derailment in Kentucky involving 31 cars, including at least one carrying molten sulfur. (Hopkinsville Fire and EMS)
Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear confirmed a shelter-in-place order was issued for the city of Trenton.
He advised residents to follow local guidance and take precautions to stay safe.
Members of Hopkinsville Fire and EMS watch aerial footage during an emergency response briefing after a freight train derailment in Kentucky involving 31 cars, including at least one carrying molten sulfur. (Hopkinsville Fire and EMS)
“More information will be shared as available for those in the surrounding area,” he posted on X.
The cause of the derailment is currently under investigation.
