Train Derailment in Shepherdsville/Brooks Area (Louisville: homes, schools, utilities)

[kimmieyky]

For all of you who may be watching the National and/or local news - wanted to give you an update from the 'operations side of the situation.

I have been listening to the scanner since the incident occurred at approximately 8:55 this morning.

A CSX train headed North bound into Louisville derailed - reason unknown at this time.

11 people have been sent to the hospital officially - with 2 more on the way according to the EMS channel.

The tankers are burning at this time, with initial explosions at time of the crash.

Currently CSX officials are at the site, and leakage of two additional tankers have been reported on the radio - but not put out to the media.

For all of you who may be traveling I-65 north or south:

South bound, you will be able to go as far as the GeneSnyder Freeway. At that point you will be diverted West to 31w, and then proceed north or south.
Or, you may go East, which will lead you to Hwy 61. It is not clear if you are allowed to exit there, however proceeding on to Hwy 31e will allow you to go north or south.

I'll try to keep you posted as things change, for anyone traveling in or out of the area.

Please feel free to contact me by pm or email kimmiey3@yahoo.com if you need specific directions.

KimmieyKY

[kimmieyky]

Hey guys - update - seems to be stabilizing. Just heard the scanner and they have noted they have enough man power for now.

At this point it sounds as though they can do nothing but sit and wait.

Safe travel to you all - and if anyone reading this is local and in need of help - please let me know and we can get help to you. We have a crew at the Firehouse waiting. I know some were unable/unwilling to leave this morning, and many utilities have been turned off to prevent any further problems.

If you need help evacuating - let me know and I can put out the call.

Take care...KimmieyKY

Should be a news conference coming up within the hour

[kimmieyky]

As many of you may know by now - I-65 was reopened late last night. The fire is still burning as of this morning, but things are looking a little better.

The wind continues to shift, causing firemen to continuosly shift position. They are rotating crews out every few hours - thanks to the TARC buses driven down from Louisville.

All schools are in today with the exception of Brooks elementary, and the evacuation of homes in the area - I have discovered - was not mandatory. Therefore, many were back in their homes last night.

Hope this info has been helpful to someone - yesterday was quite a wild ride, and the cleanup today promises to be that again.

Very happy to report no one contacted me for help - that is a good sign, and our guys are still on standby, but all is well at this point.

Kimmiey