Homes and businesses in White County were evacuated Monday after a potentially hazardous chemical was found to be leaking from a Union Pacific train.
Arkansas Highway 367 between McRae and the intersection with Bowman Road remained closed as of early Monday afternoon due to the incident. Union Pacific says the problem was first identified around 10 a.m., as smoke was observed coming from the train near Beebe.
"The train came to a stop near Highway 367 S. and Rip Kirk Road in McRae. Emergency response personnel, including hazmat are on scene," the statement reads. "As a precaution, homes and businesses within about a half-mile have been evacuated. The cause is under investigation."
According to the Arkansas Department of Transportation, the train was leaking nitric acid, not nitrogen oxide as was previously stated.
The White County Sheriff's Office says the road was reopened as of roughly 3 p.m. Monday.
