Massive CSX train derailment in Kentucky leaks dangerous chemicals

A massive 31-car CSX train pile-up in rural Kentucky forced local officials to issue an emergency shelter-in-place order Tuesday after dangerous chemicals spilled onto the tracks.

The derailment in Todd County shortly after 6 a.m. left at least one freight car leaking molten sulfur, which can cause burns and spew sulfur dioxide or hydrogen sulfide.

“Kentucky, there has been a train derailment in Todd County, and local emergency management has issued a shelter-in-place for the City of Trenton,” Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear wrote on Facebook. “Please follow local guidance and stay safe.”

Images from the scene of the wreck show the banged-up freight cars blocking the railroad tracks, with the white chemical leaking from at least one car.

Officials said the scene was brought under control and the shelter order was lifted around 11 a.m., with no injuries or damage to nearby homes reported.

“It could have been catastrophic,” Todd County Executive Todd Mansfield WZTV News.

Austin Staton, a spokesman for CSX Transportation, one of the leading rail companies in the country, told The Post on Tuesday that the incident is under investigation.

“CSX crews remain on scene and are working as safely and as quickly as possible to clean up the impacted site,” Staton said. “We appreciate the swift response and coordination of local first responders and emergency management officials.”

The transport company has been the target of complaints in the past, including from environmental groups concerned over the potential spills of toxic cargo.