NORTH PLATTE — An explosion and resulting fires in North Platte’s Bailey Yard resulted in a temporary evacuation of several homes in the area.
At about 12 p.m., an explosion occurred inside a container at Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard in North Platte, Nebraska, resulting in several cars catching on fire, Union Pacific spokeswoman Robynn Tysver stated.
By 3:30 p.m., the fire was contained to the initial rail car. There was no derailment and the car had been stationary in the yard for a couple hours.
Highway 30, between Front and Splinter Roads was closed and residents in the area were advised to evacuate, according to Troop D of the Nebraska State Patrol.
By 5:15 p.m., the fire was out, and normal rail operations were beginning to resume in North Platte, Tysver said.
The evacuation order was lifted around 5:15 p.m. by the North Platte Fire Department.
One of the containers involved in the incident contained perchloric acid, a hazardous material used for a number of things, including food, drug and biocidal products, as well as explosives.
Union Pacific’s hazmat team responded.
The North Platte Fire Department evacuated people within a four-mile radius downwind from the fire.
Around 25 nearby homes being evacuated, Tysver said.
No Union Pacific personnel were injured, and they were able to build and depart trains in areas of the yard not impacted by the evacuation.
The cause is under investigation, Union Pacific is cooperating with federal and state regulators investigating the cause.
As of Friday morning, Union Pacific operations returned to normal, and cleanup is underway at Bailey Yard, said Tysver.
