Two Union Pacific freight trains collided on Sunday morning, killing two train crew members in Northern Arkansas, the Arkansas state police reported.

Two others were injured during the incident that occurred around 3 a.m. on Sunday in the Hoxie community, which was approximatley 90 miles northwest of Memphis, Tennessee.

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According to Buddy Williams, director of county Emergency Management department, they still have no clue as to why the trains were on the same track.

"We don't know the cause of the accident. We have no idea why these trains were on the same line," he stated.

Around 500 of the 2,700 residents in Hoxie were evacuated for a few hours and were allowed to return home by 11 the same morning. These precautions were implemented because the trains contained toxic substances.

Though fire broke out throughout the train, its toxic contents are far from being enflamed. Authorities declared fire out after seven hours.

"The fire involved diesel and also there was a tank car that ruptured and it contained an (unknown) alcoholic beverage," Emergency Management spokesperson Kendell Snyder told Fox News.

An investigator also clarified that the alcohol will burn itself out and will not be causing any environmental problems.

Investigators revealed that the trains involved included one with 86 cars and two locomotives. Another train had 92 cars and one locomotive. Both were reported to be running on the same track.

According to National Transportation Safety Board investigator Michael Hiller, recorders collected from the locomotives will be sent and analyzed in Washington D.C.

To ensure safe trips for other trains, roadblocks have been strategically placed at Highway 67 along the southern part of Highway 63, as well as at the intersection of Highway 67 and 230.

The blocks will be there for three days while authorities are clearing out the accident area.

Highway 91 remains available to travellers going to Walnut Ridge and Hoxie as an alternate route during the clearing operations.

Tagsfreight train, collision, Arkansas, Union Pacific