Train car carrying toxic perchloric acid explodes in US

A train carrying toxic perchloric acid has exploded in a Nebraska rail yard, prompting evacuation orders to be issued, as huge plumes are seen engulfing the city, Report informs referring to Daily Mail.

The incident happened on Union Pacific Railroad tracks in the city of North Platte earlier today.

North Platte Volunteer Fire Department announced that they would order those living in the area to evacuate due to the toxic smoke from the railroad.

In a post to social media, they said: 'Emergency evacuation for the area between splinter and front North of railroad track due fire at the railroad involving heavy toxic smoke.

The majority of the evacuation zone so far appears to be mostly farm land, and has missed the rest of North Platte.

The last update from the Emergency Management in Nebraska said that the incident was now contained, which they would be monitoring.

In a statement to DailyMail.com, Union Pacific Railroad said that an explosion occurred inside a container which resulted in several railcars catching fire.

The railcar did not derail, the company said, and had been in the yard for several hours.

Union Pacific said that one of the containers contained a hazardous chemical called perchloric acid.

Perchloric is a hazardous material used in food, drugs and biocidal products, as well as explosives.