Highway 367 open again after train incident in White County, hazardous leak contained

WHITE COUNTY, Ark. – White County deputies said Highway 367 is now open again after it was closed following a train incident Monday morning.

According to officials with the White County Sheriff’s Office, Highway 367 was reopened after 3:30 p.m.

Officials with the Arkansas Department of Transportation said that there was a nitric acid spill on the scene. Union Pacific officials said that the leak was contained around 12:30 p.m.

Later Monday evening, officials said the train was moving again and the train car that was leaking had been removed from the track.

Nitric acid is highly corrosive. Exposure to the liquid can cause irritation to the eyes, skin and can also cause serious health issues, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

White County officials said that Union Pacific, Beebe Fire Department, White County Office of Emergency Management, White County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies are on the scene.

Officials with Union Pacific released the following statement:

“At about 10 a.m. CDT, smoke was observed coming from a rail car in Beebe, Arkansas. The train came to a stop near Highway 367 S. and Rip Kirk Road in McRae. Emergency response personnel, including hazmat are on scene. As a precaution, homes and businesses within about a half-mile have been evacuated. The cause is under investigation.”

Union Pacific officials said air monitoring near the site and in McRae show normal air conditions.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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