Witnesses Say Heavy Smoke Is Limiting Visibility

ANN REALTIME UPDATE 01.16.07 1830 EST: The FAA has issued a follow-up TFR over the area of a train derailment south of Lousiville, KY earlier today. You may find that updated TFR here.

Original Report

A train derailment south of Louisville, KY near I-65 has prompted the FAA to issue a TFR to keep unnecessary aircraft clear of the smoke and emergency aircraft coordinating efforts on the ground.

Several rail cars have overturned and are burning fiercely causing a towering column of smoke above and downwind of the site. Interstate highways and major roads in all directions are closed.

Televised media reports say controllers are routing air traffic going in and out of Louiville Standiford Airport around the area because of reduced visibility.

Kentucky's Governor has called in the National Guard to help with the disaster.

Below is the full text of the NOTAM:

!FDC 7/0916 ZID KY.. FLIGHT RESTRICTION, 8 SOUTH OF LOUISVILLE STANDIFORD AIRPORT. EFFECTIVE IMMEDIATELY UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. PURSUANT TO 14 CFR SECTION 91.137(A)(1) TEMPORARY FLIGHT RESTRICTIONS ARE IN EFFECT FOR TRAIN DERAILMENT ONLY RELIEF AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS UNDER DIRECTION OF BULLET CO. CENTRAL DISPATCH ARE AUTHORIZED IN THE AIRSPACE AT AND BELOW 3000 FEET AGL WITHIN A 3 NAUTICAL MILE RADIUS OF 380342N/0854256W OR THE LOUISVILLE /IIU/ VORTAC 248 DEGREE RADIAL AT 07 NAUTICAL MILES BULLET CO. CENTRAL DISPATCH, TELEPHONE 502-343-7074, IS IN CHARGE OF ON SCENE EMERGENCY RESPONSE ACTIVITY. LOUISVILLE STANDIFORD TOWER /SDF/, TELEPHONE 502-375-7450, IS THE FAA COORDINATION FACILITY.

FMI: www.tfr.faa.gov