A failed wheel bearing on a train car in Kentucky caused a major derailment and chemical fire that forced residents of a small town to evacuate for over a day, including most of Thanksgiving. The incident occurred on Wednesday afternoon just north of Livingston, and was attributed to an overheated wheel bearing that failed to trigger an alarm. The train, operated by CSX railroad, was carrying molten sulfur, two cars of which caught fire after the derailment.

CSX reported on Monday that crews had successfully restored the tracks over the weekend, allowing trains to resume running through the area by midday Sunday. All 16 railcars involved in the derailment have been removed from the site, and crews have also removed the spilled chemical and replaced 2,500 tons of impacted soil with clean material.

Residents of the remote town in Rockcastle County were encouraged to evacuate just a day before Thanksgiving, but were cleared to return to their homes late Thursday afternoon. State officials monitored the air for traces of hydrogen sulfide and sulfur dioxide, but no detection of these substances occurred since Thursday morning. The fire at the site was extinguished on Thursday afternoon, and CSX spokesperson Bryan Tucker confirmed that no sulfur dioxide had been detected in the area since the fire was put out.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, carried out by the Federal Railroad Administration. While the agency does not release preliminary findings, the failed wheel bearing and subsequent derailment have drawn attention to the issue of railroad safety. Earlier this year, a similar incident occurred in Eastern Ohio, further highlighting the need for reforms and improved safety measures. However, progress in implementing these reforms has been slow, with little advancement in Congress and regulators.

CSX expressed gratitude towards Rockcastle County authorities, community members, and local businesses for their assistance and patience throughout the recovery effort. The railroad company worked with local restaurants to provide Thanksgiving meals to affected residents and delivered meals to the people working at a middle school shelter. Additionally, CSX provided necessary supplies from a Dollar Tree store in the area free of cost.

Approximately 400 households affected by the derailment have applied for reimbursement from CSX for related costs. Meanwhile, crews in Kentucky were finishing up the restoration of the site, and CSX expected to complete repairs on the tracks and restore service on the rail line soon. Governor Andy Beshear had declared a state of emergency following the derailment, and the investigation into the incident will continue.