US 51 reopened on Wednesday as the cleanup continues from that train derailment in Hickman County.
Hickman County Emergency Management said they continue to work with Canadian National Railroad as contractors work to clear and rebuild the tracks and the railroad bridge that were damaged in the mishap. As the work progresses, some of the heavy equipment that was brought in is being released from the recovery.
The staff at Hickman County Emergency Management pledged to work alongside their Canadian National partners through the completion of the cleanup and the restoration of the line.
Amtrak, meanwhile, said in a post on X that the famed City of New Orleans service between New Orleans and Chicago is temporarily suspended pending the cleanup efforts.
UPDATE MONDAY:
Cleanup continues at the site of the 31-car freight train derailment in Hickman County near the Carlisle County line. The train derailed on Sunday night when it struck a fallen tree.
The train was transporting a mixed freight load consisting of aggregate materials, automotive-related cargo, and various non-hazardous chemical products.
Hickman County Emergency Management said in a post on Monday that it might take at least a few days to clean up the crash site and get the track open for freight service, and for Amtrak passenger service between New Orleans and Chicago.
The derailment scene is in a heavily wooded area that is difficult to access. Peery Road is closed until further notice. KYTC posted that US 51 will remain blocked between KY 288 and KY 80 until further notice to allow heavy equipment to move in and out of the crash site.
Although details have not been announced, the Canadian National train incident will likely be investigated at a federal level. Train wrecks are usually investigated by agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board or the Federal Railroad Administration.
Most modern locomotives are equipped with an event recorder, a device similar to the "black box" found in jet airliners. On-board video, radio transmissions, and inspection logs could also be used.
A report of results from an investigating federal agency could take months to release.
ORIGINAL STORY:
A freight train derailed on Sunday night in Hickman County near the Carlisle County line.
Hickman County Emergency Management said they were alerted to the incident just after 10:15 p.m. The derailment was along the Canadian National line near Peery Road. Reportedly, twenty-nine railcars and two locomotives are off the tracks at that scene after possibly striking a tree that had fallen on the tracks. No injuries were reported.
The train was said to be hauling automotive-related cargo, aggregate materials, and non-hazardous chemicals. Initially, law enforcement suggested that nearby residents shelter in place, but the all-clear has been given.
The derailment scene is in a heavily wooded area that is difficult to access. Peery Road is closed until further notice. US 51 has also been closed at times between KY 288 and KY 80 to position recovery equipment.
Hickman County Emergency Management said they are working with Canadian National to coordinate the cleanup efforts with local agencies.
Additionally, WFCN reported that the derailment is disrupting AMTRAK operations along that line. They said that a Monday departure of The City of New Orleans from that city has been canceled, and more cancellations are likely.
The loud boom from the derailment of the freight train was reportedly heard all over the Purchase area.
Photo courtesy of Hickman County Emergency Management
