2023 Kentucky train derailment explained

On the afternoon of November 22, 2023, at approximately 2:23 PM ET, a CSX mixed freight train derailed in Rockcastle County, Kentucky, causing a major spill of molten sulfur chemicals near Roundstone Creek, a creek located northwest of Livingston. Only one member of the CSX train's two-person crew was treated at the scene for minor injuries. The incident occurred six days after a similar CSX derailment that happened in Atlanta, Georgia.

Background

The derailment occurred in the backdrop of an "alarming" number of derailments in 2023 in the United States.^[1]

Shortly after the derailment, the town of Livingston was evacuated. The governor of Kentucky declared a state of emergency in the entire surroundings of Rockcastle County in connection of the derailment and the chemicals, but was lifted several hours later.^{[2] [3]}

A total of 15 out of the 40 cars of the train derailed, and at least only two were breached. The train spilled burning molten sulfur chemicals that created a large plumes of smoke. The derailment occurred near both Roundstone Creek and Ten Foot Hole Road, which is part of the Roundstone watershed.^{[4] [5]} The chemicals released were suspected to include sulfur dioxide, which is harmful in high concentrations and as a background pollutant.^[6]

Reaction

In reaction to the derailment, the Chinese government launched a disinformation campaign on social media alleging a cover-up.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Web site: New Map Shows Hazardous Train Derailments Pose an Urgent Threat to Communities . 7 June 2023 . 25 November 2023 . 25 November 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231125163835/https://www.commerce.senate.gov/2023/6/new-map-shows-hazardous-train-derailments-pose-an-urgent-threat-to-communities . live .
2. Web site: Vancampen . Margaret . November 22, 2023 . Kentucky governor declares state of emergency after train derails in Rockcastle County . November 24, 2023 . WHAS 11 . November 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231124212728/https://www.whas11.com/article/news/kentucky/kentucky-governor-state-of-emergency-train-derails-rockcastle-county/417-c93c7358-0f85-409f-990e-19ddd25a6503 . live .
3. Web site: Ward . Karla . November 23, 2023 . Updated: Fire extinguished, residents encouraged to return home after train derailment . November 24, 2023 . . November 28, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231128092352/https://www.kentucky.com/news/state/kentucky/article282235013.html . live .
4. Web site: Sizemore . Anthony . Aaron . Cameron . Pendleton . Phil . November 22, 2023 . Chemicals spill in Rockcastle Co. train derailment, hundreds of people evacuated . November 24, 2023 . . November 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231124002246/https://www.wymt.com/2023/11/23/chemicals-spill-rockcastle-co-train-derailment-hundreds-people-evacuated/ . live .
5. Web site: Pendleton . Phil . Umbro . Jessica . November 22, 2023 . Evacuation order issued after Rockcastle Co. train derailment lifted . November 24, 2023 . . November 24, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231124004529/https://www.wkyt.com/2023/11/22/evacuation-order-issued-after-rockcastle-co-train-derailment-lifted/ . live .
6. Web site: Massengill . Dustin . November 23, 2023 . Thanksgiving disrupted in Kentucky town after chemical spill, train derailment . November 24, 2023 . 10wavy . November 23, 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20231123223843/https://www.wavy.com/news/national/thanksgiving-disrupted-in-kentucky-town-after-chemical-spill-train-derailment/ . live .
7. Ewe . Koh . 2024-04-05 . Microsoft: China Uses AI to Sow Disinformation and Discord Around the World . 2024-04-05 . . en . 2024-04-05 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240405143515/https://time.com/6963787/china-influence-operations-artificial-intelligence-cyber-threats-microsoft/ . live .