2023 Kentucky train derailment

The 2023 Kentucky train derailment occurred 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]