A CSX train loaded with ethanol derailed and caught fire in Draffin, Kentucky around 7:00 this morning. Two employees were able to escape the derailed locomotive but were temporarily trapped by the flames. They were rescued by boat and said to be in pretty good shape as they were transported to a local hospital.
Officials have said the derailment was caused by a large rock and mud slide on the tracks. Kentucky State Trooper, William Petry, said there was several hundred yards of mud and rock on the tracks which caused the engine and tanker cars to derail. As a result of the accident some diesel fuel leaking into Big Sandy River. Pikeville Water District has shut off the water intake and is preparing to take appropriate action as needed to ensure public safety.
CSX released the following statement regarding the incident: “At approximately 7:05 a.m. today, a southbound CSX train derailed in Draffin, KY. The train consisted of 96 loaded ethanol cars and two loaded rock cars. Preliminary information indicates that the train hit a rock slide and derailed two locomotives and an unknown number of rail cars into the Big Sandy River near Pond Creek Road. The two crew members were able to exit the derailed locomotive and make it safely to the shore. One of the derailed locomotives is on fire as well as an unknown number of cars. CSX has mobilized its emergency teams and are working with the local authorities to respond to the incident.”
Two people taken to hospital after rockslide causes Pike County train derailment
