A freight train operated by CSX derailed in a remote part of southern Kentucky on Tuesday, resulting in a significant leak of a hazardous chemical and a subsequent fire that prompted an emergency response.
Incident Details and Emergency Response
The derailment occurred at approximately 6:15 a.m. CST on Tuesday, 30 December 2025, in Todd County. According to CSX, 31 rail cars left the tracks. The accident caused one car to breach, releasing molten sulphur, a material classified as flammable. The leak ignited, starting a fire that burned for several hours before being extinguished by late morning.
In response to the potential danger, Todd County authorities swiftly issued a precautionary shelter-in-place order for residents within a half-mile radius of the site. This was due to concerns that the burning chemical could release toxic fumes. The incident site is situated roughly one mile west of downtown Trenton, approximately 55 miles northwest of Nashville, Tennessee.
All Clear Given After Air Quality Tests
Emergency crews worked through the day to contain the situation and assess the risks. Ash Groves, the Emergency Management Director for Todd County, later confirmed that air quality monitoring at the scene showed no cause for ongoing public concern. "Everything is good now," Groves stated, leading to the shelter-in-place order being lifted.
CSX, in an official statement, expressed gratitude for the rapid coordination with local first responders. The company emphasised that its primary focus remains the health and safety of personnel and the local community, alongside mitigating any environmental impact. Clean-up operations are underway, with crews working "as safely and quickly as possible" to clear the derailment site.
Aftermath and Ongoing Clean-up
Fortunately, no injuries were reported in connection with the derailment or the fire. The incident highlights the potential risks associated with transporting industrial chemicals through rural areas. While the immediate emergency has passed, the focus now shifts to the environmental remediation and investigation into the cause of the derailment. CSX has not yet provided details on what led to the train leaving the tracks.
