The scene of the train derailment in Bensalem — Bensalem PD
A shelter-in-place order was lifted after officials confirmed there was no hazardous materials leak following a freight train derailment in Bucks County on Tuesday, June 30.
The derailment happened at approximately 2:21 p.m. on the CSX railroad tracks between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls Train Station in Trevose, Bensalem Township, according to the Bensalem Township Department of Public Safety.
Department drones were deployed and quickly found multiple detached freight cars that had derailed and overturned on the tracks.
The preliminary investigation determined a CSX freight train made up of approximately 72 railcars was traveling eastbound toward the Neshaminy Falls Train Station when 13 railcars near the rear of the train left the tracks and overturned, officials said.
Three of the derailed railcars were marked with hazardous material placards, prompting the activation of the Bucks County Hazardous Materials Response Team.
Police established a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area while officers also went door-to-door along Grove Avenue and Old Lincoln Highway to evacuate nearby homes and businesses out of an abundance of caution.
By approximately 3:45 p.m., emergency crews confirmed none of the hazardous materials railcars were leaking and there was no threat to the public, authorities said.
No injuries were reported.
Once the all-clear was given, the shelter-in-place order was lifted, evacuation orders were rescinded, and residents and businesses were allowed to return.
The scene has since been turned over to CSX, which will oversee the investigation and cleanup operations.
Officials said SEPTA rail service is expected to resume once the tracks have been inspected and determined to be safe.
Residents are being asked to avoid the area and stay away from the railroad tracks while cleanup continues. Bristol Road remains closed between Old Lincoln Highway and Spruce Avenue until further notice.