Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Todd Co. train derailment leads to fire, blocked tracks and roadway

The train derailment in Todd County involved dozens of cars and a fire.
Hopkinsville Fire Dept.
The train derailment in Todd County involved dozens of cars and a fire.

Emergency crews are responding to a train derailment in Todd County.

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said the accident happened Tuesday morning, blocking U.S. 41 between the Todd County town of Trenton and Pembroke, in Christian County.

Todd County Emergency Management Director Ash Groves told WEKT News in Elkton that 31 train cars derailed, and at least two were carrying molten sulfur. Groves said a fire destroyed at least one of the train cars.

Hazardous materials crews from Hopkinsville were called to help put out the fire and prevent the spread of sulfur. The fire was extinguished by late Tuesday morning. A drone operated by Hopkinsville Fire/Emergency Management Services was used to help first responders evaluate the crash site.

A shelter-in-place order issued shortly after the derailment for Trenton residents in a half-mile area of the accident was later lifted.

At least 200 feet of train track is blocked.

No injuries have been reported as a result of the derailment.

Kevin is the News Director at WKU Public Radio. He has been with the station since 1999, and was previously the Assistant News Director, and also served as local host of Morning Edition.