1 Dead After Train Derails in Central Arkansas

Authorities in Arkansas say one person was killed when a Union Pacific train derailed and one of its cars fell on top of a vehicle stopped at a crossing.

Lt. Carl Minden with the Pulaski County Sheriff’s office said the derailment occurred about 6:15 p.m. on Mar. 20 at 145 Street in an unincorporated part of the county.

Union Pacific spokeswoman Raquel Espinoza says five railcars left the tracks and one of them hit the vehicle. Minden says the rail car crushed the vehicle.

He says officials know at least one person inside the car was killed, but they’re working to see if there were any more occupants. Cranes and other equipment are being used to clear the derailed railcars.

The victim’s name wasn’t immediately released.

Espinoza says an investigation is under way.