A Union Pacific train car carrying nitric acid sprang a leak today in White County between Beebe and McRae, causing a traffic closure in both directions on Highway 367.
As of 3 p.m., the road had been reopened to traffic, according to a Facebook post from the White County Sheriff’s Office.
The Arkansas Department of Transportation earlier said the highway was closed for 2.9 miles and advised drivers to avoid the area:
Update: the substance in question is confirmed to be Nitric Acid, not Nitrogen Oxide. https://t.co/XYHJ9rylfl
— Arkansas Department of Transportation (@myARDOT) June 17, 2024
Meg Siffring, a spokesperson for Union Pacific, said via email that the leak was contained around 12:30 p.m.
“We are not aware of anyone being transported by EMS from the scene and there is currently no evacuation,” she said. “We continue to work with emergency personnel and are monitoring air conditions. An emergency hotline has been set up for anyone impacted by the incident – 1-877-877-2567, Option No. 1. The cause remains under investigation.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health, nitric acid is extremely corrosive and can exist as a gas. Exposure to nitric acid fumes can cause immediate irritation of the eyes, skin, mucous membranes and respiratory tract and can require weeks of recovery time.
The CDC’s website says the substance has a variety of industrial purposes, including in the manufacture of polymers, fertilizers, dyes and explosives.
Update: As of Monday evening, air monitoring near the site — and near a daycare in McRae — showed “normal air conditions,” Siffring said in an email. “The train has been moved, and the cause remains under investigation.”
Earlier media reports included a statement from Union Pacific that said homes and businesses within about half a mile of the site had been evacuated. Asked to clarify whether an evacuation had taken place, Siffring said, “I am informed that once the release was contained, around 12:30 pm CDT, the evacuation was lifted.”