American freight train operator, CSX, has released statements following a freight train derailment in Livingston, Kentucky.

The train, consisting of 16 cars, was involved in a derailment, with two cars being breached that were carrying molten sulphur – which continues to burn at the time of writing.

Two cars were also carrying magnesium hydroxide, but CSX says there is no sign that these have been breached. The other cars were either empty or carrying non-hazardous products like grain.

CSX and local authorities have recommended that locals need to evacuate the area, and are providing hotels and restaurants in the local area to provide meals and necessities for residents.

Thanksgiving dinners will be provided by CSX on the 23rd November for local residents.

A CSX spokesperson said “CSX and local emergency responders in Rockcastle county, Ky., worked through the night in an ongoing effort to extinguish a fire following yesterday’s train derailment just north of Livingston, Ky. The derailment involved 16 cars, including two molten sulphur cars that lost some of their contents which continue to burn. There were also two cars carrying magnesium hydroxide involved in the incident, but there is no indication that these cars were breached. The remaining cars were either empty or carrying non-hazardous products like grain or plastic.  Specialized equipment has been deployed to conduct air monitoring in the area as molten sulphur is known to release sulphur dioxide when it burns. Our immediate focus is on safely extinguishing the fire. In the meantime, authorities are recommending that residents in the City of Livingston and the surrounding area evacuate by traveling south to Exit 49, then north on I75 to Rockcastle County Middle School. CSX has also secured hotels and is working with local restaurants and a Dollar Tree in Mt. Vernon, Ky. to provide meals and other necessities for affected residents. CSX is covering the cost for these provisions.

CSX will also be providing Thanksgiving dinner for residents from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. today at First Christian Church and Rockcastle County Middle School.

Concerned residents can call CSX for information at 1-800-805-9840.”