MORTONS GAP, Ky. (3/16/13) - A CSX train headed north between TN and IN derailed this afternoon on the single track in front of South Hopkins Elementary and Middle Schools by State Highway 41. On the scene were South Hopkins Fire Dept.(SHFD), KY State Police (KSP), KY Transportation Cabinet (KYTC), Hopkins Co. Sherriff’s Dept. (HCSD), and CSX engineers assessing the situation.

SHFD Assistant Chief Blake Vaughn said the first concern was the tanker car that had turned over potentially containing hazardous sulfur chemicals. The homes in the area were immediately evacuated for safety. It was soon determined the tank was empty, however may still have had hazardous chemical residue in it that could spill over. SHFD stayed on the scene while CSX determined the cause of the derailment.

KYTC closed off State Highways 813 and 41 a mile away from the scene directing traffic to detour at the Nortonville exit 33 on the Edward T. Breathitt Pennyrile Parkway. It is undetermined how long the road will be detoured. The railroad traffic has also been halted on the route due to the fact that the double track turns into a single track just where the train derailed. CSX is on scene now assessing the cause and procedures for cleanup as well as an estimated time the track and highways will be closed.

SurfKY News will keep the community posted as more information is determined.

Jessica Frodge
SurfKY News

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