BENSALEM TWP., Pa. – A train derailed in Bensalem Township on Tuesday afternoon, according to local police.
The Bensalem Police Department says the department of public safety responded at around 2:21 p.m. to the CSX railroad tracks in Trevose following reports of a train derailment.
Police say department drones were immediately deployed and quickly located several detached freight cars that had derailed and overturned on the CSX tracks between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls Train Station.
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 say they conducted door-to-door notifications along Grove Avenue and Old Lincoln Highway to evacuate nearby residents and businesses.
Investigators determined that a CSX freight train consisting of approximately 72 railcars was traveling eastbound toward the Neshaminy Falls Train Station when 13 freight cars near the rear of the train derailed and overturned. Authorities say three of the derailed railcars displayed hazardous material placards.
Courtesy of the Bensalem Township Police Department
Personnel from Bensalem Fire Rescue, Bensalem Emergency Medical Services, and the Bucks County Hazardous Materials Response Team immediately assessed the affected railcars. At approximately 3:45 p.m., officials confirmed that none of the hazardous materials railcars were leaking and that there was no threat to public safety. No injuries were reported as a result of the derailment.
Once it was determined that there was no danger to the public, the shelter-in-place order was lifted, evacuation orders were rescinded, and residents and businesses were permitted to return to their properties.
Police say the incident scene has been turned over to CSX officials, who will oversee the investigation and cleanup operations. SEPTA train service is expected to resume once the tracks have been inspected and deemed safe for operation.
Residents are asked to avoid the area and stay away from the railroad tracks while cleanup operations continue. Bristol Road remains closed between Old Lincoln Highway and Spruce Avenue until further notice.