Town evacuated after trains carrying toxic chemicals crash in US

Two freight trains transporting toxic chemicals have smashed into each other in the US state of Arkansas, killing two people and injuring two others, police said.

The dead and injured were all believed to be crew members, the statement said.

"As a precautionary measure a large number of Hoxie residents have been evacuated," police said, naming the town of around 3000 in north-east Arkansas where the collision took place.

"A fire involving one of the train engines was reported still burning at daybreak, however it is not believed to be threatening any of the toxic cargo," the statement added.

Highways leading into Hoxie were closed by state police, it added.

Both trains were from the Union Pacific Railroad. Police said the company had confirmed to them the cargo on both trains was toxic chemicals. The company could not be immediately reached for comment.