A number of crews are working to clean up a big mess after a train
derailed in Pike County this morning. In happened in southwestern Pike
County near the intersection of State Road 57 and County Road 125.
The derailment caused a spill of around 30 to 40 thousand gallons of food grade alcohol. Two other spilled tanks carrying corn meal and corn starch added to the mess. Although it was a large spill, officials say the derailment could have been far more devastating.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency says the train fell on the east side of the tracks away from a creek. If the cars had fallen into the creek the EPA says wildlife in the Patoka River could have been at risk.
Most of the food grade alcohol soaked into soil isolating the substance. That soil will be removed and replaced with clean soil. Officials say the spill isn't posing a health risk to area residents.
The derailment caused a spill of around 30 to 40 thousand gallons of food grade alcohol. Two other spilled tanks carrying corn meal and corn starch added to the mess. Although it was a large spill, officials say the derailment could have been far more devastating.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency says the train fell on the east side of the tracks away from a creek. If the cars had fallen into the creek the EPA says wildlife in the Patoka River could have been at risk.
Most of the food grade alcohol soaked into soil isolating the substance. That soil will be removed and replaced with clean soil. Officials say the spill isn't posing a health risk to area residents.
