Hundreds of people in rural Kentucky were asked to leave their homes on the eve of Thanksgiving after a train derailed, causing molten sulfur to catch fire and release dangerous fumes.
At least 16 of the 40 coaches on the train came off the rails near Livingston, home to 200 people, 60 miles south of Lexington.
The accident happened around 2:30pm, and Andy Beshear, the governor of Kentucky, declared a state of emergency.
Local officials are encouraging those in the town of Livingston to evacuate, he said.
'By issuing a state of emergency, we are ensuring that every state resource is available to help keep our families safe,' said Beshear.
'Please stay clear of this area as state, local and CSX officials respond.'
CSX, the railroad operator, was working to extinguish the fire on Wednesday afternoon, said Bryan Tucker, a CSX spokesman.
Two cars containing sulfur were 'breached' and some of the sulfur caught fire, CSX said, adding that sulfur dioxide gas was being released into the air.
The colorless gas, with a strong smell, may cause irritation to the eyes, nose, and throat, the CDC says.
CSX said they were conducting air quality testing in the area.
'We will work together with the local authorities to secure the area and safety is our top priority as we develop a recovery plan,' CSX said.
Residents of Livingston were asked to move to a temporary shelter set up at Rockcastle County Middle School in Mount Vernon, 10 miles away.
Cindy Bradley told WKYT that authorities came to her door and told her she needed to leave.
'She says, 'You're evacuated, there's 12 to 14 cars in the river, you have to get out of here,'' she said.
'We said, 'What about Thanksgiving?''
The derailment came less than a year after the derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which forced thousands of people from their homes in February.
Norfolk Southern estimates that its response to the derailment will cost at least $803 million to remove all the hazardous chemicals, help the community and deal with lawsuits and penalties related to the derailment.
But residents still worry about the long-term health effects. Many are looking to Congress to act, hoping it will prevent another community from enduring the trauma, fear and upheaval they have endured.
According to the National League of Cities, an average of three trains derail per day, with as many as half potentially carrying hazardous substances.
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