Chemical Explosion At Union Pacific Railyard In Nebraska Prompts Evacuations Due Heavy Toxic Smoke

NEBRASKA – Emergency responders were at the scene of a railcar blaze occurring at Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard in North Platte.

According to Union Pacific Railroad, at approximately noon on Thursday, an explosion transpired inside a container, resulting in the ignition of multiple railcars. Union Pacific stated that there was no derailment, and the railcar had been stationary in the yard for a few hours.

Union Pacific also reported that the container that caught fire contained a hazardous substance known as perchloric acid.

Emergency crews are on the scene of a railcar fire between North Platte and Hershey.

Anyone located between Front Road and Splinter Road, from Highway 30 to 1 mile north, is asked to evacuate the area.

Railcar carrying hazardous chemical has exploded prompting emergency evacuation west of North Platte in Nebraska, several railcars caught fire.

Video: James Horn pic.twitter.com/viR2xK42bF

— 南洋辉叔 Uncle Hui (@alexcmhwee) September 14, 2023

Highway 30 is CLOSED in the area at this time. I-80 is not affected. pic.twitter.com/079oUc7BMN

— Nebraska State Patrol (@NEStatePatrol) September 14, 2023

Update on Railcar Fire. NP Fire/Hazmat are on scene w/UPRR. The incident is contained. They are monitoring the situation & wx, adjusting their tactics & evacuations to keep responders & citizens safe. Changes will be put out on media, social media, & RAVE Alerts. Avoid the area.

— lincoemgt (@lincoemgt) September 14, 2023

In response to the toxic smoke, the North Platte Fire Department is conducting evacuations within a four-mile radius of the explosion. Individuals located between Front Road and Splinter Road, extending from Highway 30 to one mile north, are urged to evacuate the vicinity. Additionally, Buffalo Bill State Historical Park and State Recreation Area in North Platte have been closed until further notice due to the presence of toxic smoke in the area.

No Union Pacific personnel sustained injuries. The cause of the incident is under investigation.

Union Pacific clarified that perchloric acid serves various purposes, including use in food, pharmaceuticals, biocidal products, and explosives.

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