The evacuation order prompted by an explosion that spewed “heavy toxic smoke” from a shipping container at the world’s largest railyard in western Nebraska on Thursday was lifted, authorities said.
Around noon, the explosion shook Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard in North Platte, originating in an intermodal container on a railcar. Railroad spokeswoman Robynn Tysver said there were no injuries or derailments, and the cause remained unclear.
One railcar container held perchloric acid, used in explosives and various products, Ms. Tysver said. The car that exploded had been stationary for a couple hours beforehand, authorities said.
Authorities alerted the public on Thursday afternoon that emergency crews were on the scene of a railcar fire between North Platte and Hershey. Nebraska State Patrol said residents located within a one-mile radius of the fire were asked to evacuate the area.
Authorities also closed U.S. Highway 30 between North Platte and Hershey, while Interstate 80 remained unaffected.
Union Pacific confirmed the fire’s extinguishment by 5:30 p.m.
In an earlier update, the North Platte Volunteer Fire Department said crews were on the scene with the railroad company, and the incident was contained.
The number of evacuated homes was uncertain in North Platte, with a population of around 23,000. The area is mostly rural. North Platte is about 230 miles (370 kilometers) east of Denver and about 250 miles (400 kilometers) west of Omaha.
Joanna Le Moine, deputy director of the Lincoln County Emergency Management Agency, said officials monitored the smoke’s direction to ensure safety.
The railyard covers 2,850 acres and extends eight miles wide at some points, featuring an eight-story observation tower.
Witness Gregg Robertson described a “big ball of flame” followed by smoke and sparks. He was working as a volunteer inside the Golden Spike Tower on Thursday when he witnessed the explosion, he told the North Platte Telegraph.
Mr. Robertson said two plumes of smoke rose from the blast site.
“The east plume was like black smoke,” he said. “The west plume was orange smoke, something like I’ve not seen from a fire.”
Railroad officials said that favorable winds kept the toxic smoke out of the railyard, allowing partial operations. Union Pacific fully resumed operations after the fire was out, according to spokeswoman Kristen South.
Railroad safety concerns escalated since a Norfolk Southern train derailment and fire in Ohio, prompting evacuations and calls for reform.
The National Transportation Safety Board is monitoring but hasn’t initiated a formal investigation, said spokeswoman Sarah Taylor Sulick.
Federal Railroad Administration officials were present, overseeing Union Pacific’s response.
