LAKELAND, Fla. – A train carrying molten sulfur derailed early Monday in Lakeland, officials said.
Several train cars were mangled in the incident, forcing officials to close Kathleen Road from Galloway Road to Spivey Road. Youngs Ridge is also closed to Spivey Road.
Nearby residents were asked to "shelter in place" after it was determined that sulfur was leaking from the train cars.
Fire officials said the Polk County Sheriff’s Office went door to door notifying nearby residents to stay inside their homes, close their windows and shut off their air conditioners. Residents were later allowed to leave their homes, county officials said.
It's not known what caused the derailment, which was discovered by firefighters who were returning from a medical call around 1:50 a.m. Monday.
Hazmat crews are working with CSX, the Polk County Sheriff's Office and state officials to investigate the incident.
No injuries were reported.
Molten sulfur is used in making Sulfuric Acid, rubber, detergents, fungicides and fertilizers.
No other details have been released.
UPDATE: The Polk County Sheriff’s office is going door to door notifying residents on Strickland Road about the shelter...
Posted by Polk County Fire Rescue on Monday, November 27, 2017
Polk County Fire Rescue is currently on scene at a train derailment in the area of Kathleen Road and Strickland Road....
Posted by Polk County Fire Rescue on Monday, November 27, 2017
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