CSX train derails near KY-TN border: 30 cars off tracks, molten sulfur fire
A CSX train derailed near the Kentucky-Tennessee border on December 30, 2025, with 30-31 cars leaving the tracks and one car carrying molten sulfur catching fire, leading to a temporary shelter-in-place order for Trenton, Kentucky residents. As of December 31, 2025, the affected rail line reopened, and the molten sulfur fire was extinguished with no injuries reported. The NTSB has launched an investigation, and soil remediation efforts are underway, with federal investigators en route to the site. A separate CSX train, composed of 96 loaded ethanol cars and two loaded rock cars, derailed in Draffin, KY, on January 25, 2026, after hitting a rock slide.
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January 2026 — 1 developments
On January 25, 2026, a CSX train derailed in Draffin, KY, after hitting a rock slide.
On January 25, 2026, a CSX train derailed in Draffin, KY, after hitting a rock slide. The train was composed of 96 loaded ethanol cars and two loaded rock cars.
December 2025 — 10 developments
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the Trenton derailment, and soil remediation efforts are currently underway at the site.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the Trenton derailment, and soil remediation efforts are currently underway at the site.
The rail line affected by the CSX train derailment in Todd County, Kentucky, reopened on December 31, 2025.
The rail line affected by the CSX train derailment in Todd County, Kentucky, reopened on December 31, 2025. This resolves the previously reported 'long-term blockage' of U.S. 41.
A CSX train derailed near the Kentucky-Tennessee border on December 30, 2025, with 30-31 cars leaving the tracks.
A CSX train derailed near the Kentucky-Tennessee border on December 30, 2025, with 30-31 cars leaving the tracks. One car carrying molten sulfur caught fire, leading to a temporary shelter-in-place order for Trenton, Kentucky residents, which was later lifted after air quality tests confirmed no toxic threat. U.S. Highway 41 was blocked but has since reopened following cleanup operations.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that federal investigators are en route to the site of the CSX train derailment.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that federal investigators are en route to the site of the CSX train derailment.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet stated that the blockage of U.
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet stated that the blockage of U.S. 41 due to the derailment is expected to be a 'long-term blockage.'
CSX crews remain on scene, focusing on cleanup efforts, including the removal of damaged cars and spilled product.
CSX crews remain on scene, focusing on cleanup efforts, including the removal of damaged cars and spilled product. An investigation into the cause of the derailment is currently underway.
The molten sulfur leak was contained, and air quality testing at the site indicated that conditions were safe.
The molten sulfur leak was contained, and air quality testing at the site indicated that conditions were safe. Consequently, the shelter-in-place order for Trenton residents was lifted around 12:30 p.m.
By late Tuesday morning, the fire caused by the molten sulfur leak was extinguished.
By late Tuesday morning, the fire caused by the molten sulfur leak was extinguished. No injuries were reported in connection with the derailment.
Hazmat teams from CSX and Christian County responded to the scene, actively working to cool the molten sulfur and manage the situation.
Hazmat teams from CSX and Christian County responded to the scene, actively working to cool the molten sulfur and manage the situation. U.S. 41 between Trenton and Pembroke was blocked due to the derailment.
Local authorities, including Todd County Emergency Management, were immediately notified and responded.
Local authorities, including Todd County Emergency Management, were immediately notified and responded. A shelter-in-place order was issued for residents within a mile of the crash site in Trenton as a precaution.
December 2023 — 1 developments
A CSX train derailment in Todd County on December 26, 2023, involved 31 cars, one of which leaked mo…
A CSX train derailment in Todd County on December 26, 2023, involved 31 cars, one of which leaked molten sulfur and caused a fire, leading to evacuations and shelter-in-place orders for fewer than 100 homes. No injuries were reported in the incident, and the rail line was back in service by December 27, 2023.