An early morning train derailment near downtown Paris attracted numerous onlookers. Repairs are underway and officials say the track could re-open relatively quickly.
The main street bridge over Stoner Creek offered a bird's eye view of the accident. Three railroad cars carrying coal slid down the steep hillside after the ground underneath collapsed. Retired Paris native Ronnie Eades was one of many on-site spectators. "I thought this was in line to happen for years and years because of erosion," said Eades. "That's always been a steep bank there and finally I guess the water got to it and it just gave way."
Bourbon County Sheriff Mark Matthews says state environmental officials were at the site Monday to evaluate any damage to a main sewer line serving Paris. There were no reported injuries in the derailment and no hazardous chemicals were involved. Matthews says the Paris community dodged a much bigger problem. "They were saying the train that came through prior to this one was a chemical train, so, we lucked out there,
said Matthews. "At least it got through before it gave way or it would have really been a mess."
A CSX release says four cars, as part of a 100 car coal train, derailed near downtown Paris. Spokesperson Krist Seay says it's too soon to say how long before the rail system will be back in operation.?
