WFLA

Train carrying molten sulfur derails in Polk County, ‘shelter in place’ order lifted

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – A train carrying molten sulfur derailed in Polk County early Monday morning, deputies say.

Several agencies are at the scene of the derailment near Lakeland, near the intersection of Galloway Road and Kathleen Road.

Cross sections at Kathleen Road and Youngs Ridge Road to Spivey Road in Lakeland are expected to be closed until at least midnight Monday.

Deputies initially issued a precautionary shelter in place order for people nearby. Polk County Fire Rescue went door to door on Strickland Road to let residents know. People in the area were asked to stay inside, close their windows and turn off their air conditioning.

Fire officials now say residents are allowed to open their windows and leave their homes.

They are still asking people to stay away from the site of the derailment while crews clean the molten sulfur spillage and remove the damaged train cars.

The derailment happened just before 2 a.m. Crews came across the scene while returning from a medical call in the area.

A small fire was extinguished by responding firefighters. Sulfur dioxide readings have returned to normal.

It is estimated that 12,000 gallons of fatty acid grease leaked into a ditch after 9 rail cars derailed. Two of those cars released fluid onto the tracks, soil and asphalt.

Sulfur also leaked, but at a much smaller volume of 3,250 gallons.

No surface waters have been impacted.

Soil evacuation at the spill spite is expected to re-mediate all impacts from the spill. There is no expected long-term environment impact.

Authorities say no one was hurt in the derailment.

Kathleen Road and Youngs Ridge to Spivey Road are closed in Lakeland, and will likely be closed through some time early this evening.

Jessica Bryant lives near where the train derailed, and where neighbors were told to stay inside because of the acid spill.

“I really didn’t know what to do. I’ve never heard of sulfur spills or anything. So I was like ‘turn the air off kids, stay inside your classroom today,'” she said.

Bryant told us because of the derailment, her morning drive took much longer.

“Craziness! It took me like 25 minutes to get here and I live right by Kathleen road,” said Bryant.

Investigators are now trying to figure out what caused the derailment. CSX is on the scene for cleanup and removal of the derailed train.

The company released this statement at 4:30 p.m. to News Channel 8:CSX crews have made significant progress in Lakeland, Fla., since work got underway early this morning. A full assessment of the incident scene revealed a total of nine rail cars derailed and two of those cars leaked some of their contents. No injuries have been reported.Several thousand gallons of molten sulphur spilled from one car, and a similar quantity of cooking oil spilled from another car. None of these products impacted any waterways. After developing a remediation plan that was approved by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, specialists began removing the products from the ground earlier today, and they will continue working through the night until the site is fully restored.Polk County emergency personnel lifted a ‘shelter in place’ order early this morning after they determined the leaks posed no immediate danger to nearby residents. As a safety precaution, CSX is conducting environmental monitoring throughout the cleanup process. CSX has not detected any impact to the surrounding environment thus far, and CSX does not anticipate any impacts from these products.Several derailed cars have been safely moved to a staging area across Kathleen Road for later removal from the site. Crews will continue working through the night to clear the remaining derailed cars so track repairs can begin. CSX is also working to establish safe alternate access for residents on Strickland Road, which is blocked by the derailment. CSX representatives have contacted each family living on that street to help with any needs they may have until the derailment site is fully restored.The train was traveling from Waycross, Ga., to Winston, Fla., when it derailed near Strickland Road at approximately 2 a.m. Monday, November 27. The train consisted of three locomotives, 120 loaded railcars and 72 empty railcars. It was carrying a variety of freight, including molten sulphur, cardboard, oats and rock.The cause of the derailment remains under investigation. CSX appreciates the patience of our neighbors as we work as quickly as possible to restore this site.

The company initially released this statement to News Channel 8:

At approx. 2 a.m. Monday, November 27, a CSX freight train derailed approximately nine rail cars in Lakeland, Fla. A preliminary assessment indicates that four of those cars contained molten sulphur, a hazardous material used in making rubber, detergent and fertilizers. Several were reported to be leaking. Polk County emergency services responded to the scene and issued a precautionary ‘shelter in place’ order to residents who live near the scene. CSX personnel and contractors have responded to the site to assess the situation and develop a plan to remediate the scene, re-rail the affected cars and restore service. No injuries have been reported as a result of this incident.The train involved in the incident was traveling from Waycross, Ga., to Winston, Fla., and comprised three locomotives, 120 loaded railcars and 72 empty railcars. The train was carrying a variety of freight, including molten sulphur, cardboard, oats and rock.The cause of the derailment is under investigation.CSX appreciates the quick response of Polk County first responders and the actions they took to protect the public’s safety. CSX’s first priority is to protect the residents of Lakeland, Fla., while we work to restore the scene of this incident.

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