Railroad car explosion in Nebraska: Thick cloud of ‘heavy, toxic smoke’ seen from tracks as state police issue emergency evacuation orders
Authorities in Nebraska have issued evacuation orders after a train car exploded, releasing “heavy toxic smoke” into the air.
The incident happened earlier today on the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in the town of North Platte and has resulted in a portion of the highway being closed.
The North Platte Volunteer Fire Department announced they would be evacuating the area due to the railroad fire.
In a social media post they said: ‘Emergency evacuation for the area between the splinter and the front north of the railway line due to fire on the railway line with heavy toxic smoke.
“Explosion at Union Pacific Railroad Bailey Yards at approximately 12:10 p.m..”
The incident happened earlier today on the Union Pacific Railroad tracks in the town of North Platte and has resulted in a portion of the highway being closed
Nebraska State Police said the smoke came from a train car fire in the Nebraska city
Photos shared online by the crew show a thick plume of white smoke moving over farmland.
Further images shared on social media include a video showing thick smoke engulfing an area.
An emergency text message alert was sent to citizens in the area, warning of residential evacuations and road closures, according to Atlas News.
Officials said they closed a stretch of road, shown here in red, due to fumes from the fire
Photos showing smoke billowing into the air in the city have been shared on social media
In a statement, Nebraska State Patrol said: “Emergency crews are on scene of a rail car fire between North Platte and Hershey.
“Anyone between Front Road and Splinter Road, from Highway 30 to 1 mile north, is asked to evacuate the area.
“Highway 30 is currently CLOSED in the area. I-80 is not affected.”