Train Derailment Causes Injuries, Road Closures, and Evacuations in Kentucky

Lee Coleman

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Early this morning around 8:45 a freight train derailed just south of Louisville. I-265 is shut down both directions. Homes, an elementary school and business were evacuated. So far 11 people have been treated at Jewish Hospital Medical Center South for injuries related to the the effects of the chemicals from the crash and four others at Norton Healthcare. Fumes from the crash forced a warning for Bullitt County to close all doors and windows, shut off furnaces and bring pets inside. At least 8 tankers were burning.

CSX Corp. spokesman Gary Sease said the train - with four locomotives and 80 cars - was headed to Louisville from Birmingham, Ala. Forty-one cars were loaded with freight and the rest were empty, he said.

CHEMICALS INVOLVED:

Cyclohexane is a colorless and volitile liquid with a slightly pungent odor resembling that of chloroform or benzene. Cyclohexane is used as a solvent for the chemical industry.

Aniline is an oily, poisonous benzene derivative used in the manufacture of dyes and pharmaceuticals.