Shelter-in-place order lifted after freight train derailment in Bucks County
No hazmat leaks were found after the train derailed between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls train station, authorities said.
No injuries were reported after a CSX freight train derailed Tuesday afternoon in Bensalem Township in Bucks County, and shelter-in-place and evacuation orders have been lifted, authorities said.
Hazmat teams and other emergency personnel responded to the derailment that occurred between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls train station just before 2 p.m., and no hazmat leaks were found, authorities said.
A SEPTA spokesperson said the West Trenton Line on the agency’s Regional Rail service was suspended, but later was cleared to resume.
“We operate on our own tracks in this area, but the CSX tracks are sort of parallel to ours in that area, so we had to suspend due to the emergency response,” said SEPTA spokesperson Andrew Busch.
Bensalem Township police said 72 train cars were traveling eastbound when 13 cars derailed, though CSX said 16 cars derailed. Three of the derailed cars were marked as possibly containing hazardous materials.
“Out of an abundance of caution, the Bucks County Hazardous Materials Response Team was activated while police officers established a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area. Officers also conducted door-to-door notifications along Grove Avenue and Old Lincoln Highway to evacuate nearby residents and businesses,” the Bensalem Township police said.
“Residents are asked to avoid the area and stay away from the railroad tracks while cleanup operations continue,” the police said.
A spokesperson for CSX said the train derailed near the crossing of East Bristol Road and Grave Avenue.
“Our primary focus remains the safety of onsite personnel and the surrounding community,” CSX spokesperson Jonathan Stuckey said in an email.
“CSX crews are currently on scene and working as safely and quickly as possible to restore the impacted site. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. We will provide more information as it becomes available,” Stuckey said.
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, who represents all of Bucks County, said he was closely monitoring the situation and the cause of the accident was under investigation.
“In moments like this, every minute matters. Response time, coordination, calm under pressure, bravery, and professionalism are what keep people safe,” Fitzpatrick said.
“We are grateful for the safe outcome, and for the incredible men and women on scene this afternoon who protect our community day in and day out,” Fitzpatrick said.
