In a scene eerily similar to what we saw in East Palestine, Ohio in February, a major train derailment occurred in Southeastern Kentucky Wednesday which resulted in a chemical spill. Gov. Andy Beshear declared a state of emergency in Rockcastle County following the multi-car train derailment.

Gov. Andy Beshear has declared a state of emergency following a multiple-car train derailment that occurred in Rockcastle County this afternoon.

Read more: https://t.co/F134NQ7xzb pic.twitter.com/mtSrYCWsl8

— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) November 23, 2023

In a statement, the governor wrote:

“By issuing a state of emergency, we are ensuring that every state resource is available to help keep our families safe,” Gov. Beshear said. “Please stay clear of this area as state, local and CSX officials respond.”

The state’s Emergency Operations Center has also been activated to Level 4. The state’s Energy and Environment Cabinet Emergency Response Team is also on scene.

The Governor has also activated the state’s price gouging laws to protect families from grossly overpriced goods and services. With the state of emergency in place, consumers in the commonwealth can report price gouging to the Office of the Attorney General. Under state law, price gougers can be held accountable.

The Disaster Distress Helpline is a 24/7, year-round, confidential crisis counseling and emotional support resource for survivors, responders and anyone in the United States struggling with distress or other mental health concerns related to any natural or human-caused disaster.

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Many details are still unknown, but one news outlet is reporting that at least 15 train cars were involved in the incident and that some contained hazardous chemicals:

🚨#BREAKING: State of Emergency has been Declared as Two Kentucky Towns Evacuated Following Hazardous Chemical Spill from Derailed Train⁰⁰📌#Livingston | #Kentucky

Currently state of emergency has been declared with two Kentucky towns, Livingston and Piney Branch, following a… pic.twitter.com/nnNr4ptG05

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) November 23, 2023

The tweet continues:

A CSX train, carrying hazardous chemicals has derailed, resulting in the evacuation of the mentioned towns. At least 15 train cars were involved in the accident including two sulfur dioxide cars that were breached. Causing the spillage of their contents from the wreckage. One member of the two-person crew was treated at the scene for minor injuries. Police are strongly encouraging residents to evacuate the area.

U.S. Route 25 was blocked in both directions in the area due to the derailment, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet 8, said in a post on Facebook. At least one residence has been evacuated and it's expected that there will have to be more. 

RedState will keep you updated on the situation as it develops.