GLENDALE, Ky. — Kentucky State Police (KSP) is currently investigating a CSX freight train derailment in Hardin County that occurred on Thursday afternoon.
The derailment happened in the area of Hwy. 222, which is the heart of downtown Glendale.
CSX officials released a statement saying the train derailed after trying to avoid a crash with a semi-truck and trailer stuck on the Hodgenville Road crossing.
Officials said preliminary reports indicate that 21 railcars derailed as a result of that "emergency action," and one of the derailed cars collided with an occupied vehicle near the crossing.
CSX officials added that it's been "reported the occupants have non-life threatening injuries" and that the train's crew didn't report any injuries.
No hazardous materials were involved in the incident, officials said.
In a new statement, CSX officials said:
CSX continues working to restore the site where a train derailed Thursday afternoon while stopping to avoid a semi-truck and trailer that was stuck on a crossing in Glendale, KY. Overnight, crews moved all derailed cars to a staging area so that track repairs could begin and train service resumed. CSX confirmed a total of 21 railcars containing automobiles derailed. Recovery efforts will continue until the area is fully cleared and restored. We have contacted property owners affected by the incident and are working with them. CSX appreciates the swift, professional response of local first responders.
Larry Davis and his wife Pat remember the last train crash, which happened back in July.
In that wreck, a train collided with a semi-truck that got stuck on the tracks.
"This happened so recently, and it surprised us because you know, we totally weren't expecting another one this soon," Davis said.
Despite a train car hitting one of the town's staple antique shops, Davis said he's glad no one was seriously injured.
"Look at the track and see how close this track is to buildings. They're just right off the tracks, and any type of little mishap can be a catastrophe, you know, and property damage and then maybe loss of life," he said. "We're grateful that something like that didn't happen."
Jewel-Beth Whidden said the same.
She said her husband, a volunteer firefighter, sprung to action.
PHOTOS | Glendale train derailment
"A total God thing to be honest because Glendale, it's a nice day, and it is a walking town, you know, people are walking up and down to the restaurants, the coffee shop, the antique shops," Whidden said.
Whidden owns Mountain Mike's Coffee Shop and she said as work on the rails begins for the second time in eight months, she wants people to remember the small-town charm of Glendale.
"There is a giant train dividing the town right now, so I would really just ask people to go out of their way to Glendale to support all the small businesses," Whidden said. "There's a bunch of us in town and just because there's a train in the middle of town, we're still open."
KSP Public Information Officer Scotty Sharp said the cleanup will be a multi-day operation.
Hardin County School busses were delayed Thursday afternoon according to a statement posted on Facebook.
Hardin County Sheriff's Office posted a statement on Facebook stating that Main St. Crossing (Hwy. 222) and New Glendale Rd. Crossing (KY 1136) are currently closed.
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