Train 'Spewing Toxic Gas' Forces Evacuations Within One Mile Of Tracks

Authorities in Arkansas have ordered residents living near train tracks in White County to evacuate because a Union Pacific train was "spewing a toxic gas." The train stopped on the tracks but did not derail.

The White County Sheriff's Office said that the train stopped near Highway 367 and that people from McRae to the Bowman Road/Highway 367 exit who live within a mile of the train tracks were being evacuated as a precaution.

Officials said the gas was nitrogen oxide, which can irritate the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs . It can also cause coughing fits, shortness of breath, tiredness, and nausea.

There were no immediate reports of injuries due to the incident.

"If you are in the area and you start to feel sick, try to find somewhere to get fresh air," the White County 911/Dispatch Center said . "If the fresh air is not helping, call 911."

Multiple agencies, including the Beebe Fire Department and the White County Office of Emergency Management, are on the scene and working to deal with the gas leak. Officials with Union Pacific are also on the scene.

Investigators have not said what caused the train to begin leaking gas.