TRENTON, Ky. (WSMV) – A train derailed while traveling through Todd County, causing a leak of a highly flammable and toxic chemical, forcing nearby residents to stay indoors.
According to the Todd County Sheriff’s Office, the train derailed alongside US-41, sending roughly 20 cars off the tracks at US-475/Tress Shop Road.
Several of the train cars were carrying molten sulfur, and Hazmat crews are working to clean up the spill. The area is closed indefinitely with no timetable for reopening.
CSX ordered all residents within a half-mile of the crash to shelter in place and shut down their HVAC systems due to the hazardous chemical situation.
Molten sulfur is transported as a yellow or red liquid and is highly flammable. The chemical produces toxic sulfur dioxide gas, which can cause eye and skin irritation and temporary incapacitation.
Hazmat crews are bringing in a pile of dirt to cover the damaged train cars and create a dam to block the spilled chemical from spreading further.
Due to freezing conditions in Todd County, the sheriff’s office alerted all displaced residents that a warming shelter was established at the Bingo Barn, located at 7087 Guthrie Road in Guthrie, Kentucky.
The sheriff’s office confirmed that the train operator was not injured, as the locomotive detached and continued on the tracks.
This is a developing story.
Copyright 2025 WSMV. All rights reserved.