Update (1641 EST): The Federal Railroad Administration is on scene. Further evacuations are being prepared as the winds are expected to shift. The fire and explosion originated at Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard.

FRA is onsite monitoring Union Pacific’s response to an incident at Bailey Yard in North Platte, Nebraska, where emergency responders and local authorities are on the scene containing a fire.

— The FRA (@USDOTFRA) September 14, 2023

At approximately 1354 EST, initial reports indicated that a fire and explosion erupted on a railway near US 30 in North Platte, Nebraska. An emergency SMS notification was sent out to civilians in the local area, warning of evacuation from residences and road closures due to toxic smoke.

Highway 30 between Hershey and North Platte closed due to heavy toxic smoke at Bailey Yards railcar fire.#UPRR #Fire

— North Platte VFD (@NPVFD69101) September 14, 2023

This is developing.