Coal Train Derails in Vivian Forcing DOTD to Close Road and Issue Boil Water Notice
Early Saturday morning, a southbound KCS train derailed about 30 freight cars just outside of Vivian, Louisiana. Those cars were carrying coal, and some of that coal has spilled out. The whole situation has caused quite the mess, as the Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development has been forced to issue a road closure for segment of LA 2. Fox 8 reports that work crews and equipment are on the scene, and the affected area has been closed until further notice.
Although officials have not declared this a Hazmat situation, they have issued a boil water notice for the immediately surrounding areas. This is simply a precaution, as officials don't believe the spilled coal would significantly contaminate water sources in the vicinity.
So far, there have been no reports of injuries related to the derailing. Officials with KCS and the NTSB are investigating the cause of the accident.