Homes and businesses surrounding the site of a freight train derailment near the Neshaminy Falls Train Station in Bensalem were under a shelter-in-place order for over two hours as authorities responded to a potential hazardous materials incident Tuesday afternoon.
The accident occurred shortly before 2:15 p.m. when 16 CSX freight cars derailed between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls station on Bristol Road, Bensalem Public Safety Director William McVey said during a press conference held at 4:30 p.m.
No passengers had been aboard any of the derailed cars, and there were no reports of injuries, he added. The train had a total of 72 cars and was travelling eastbound at the time of the accident.
Three of the cars were listed as containing hazmat materials, he said. According to radio reports, one of those cars contained a flammable isopropanol solution. As crews worked to assess the damage, the freight cars and their contents were inspected for leaks.
During the press conference, McVey said no leaks had been found and the shelter-in-place order had been lifted, allowing everyone to return to their homes and businesses.
SEPTA suspended all train traffic on its West Trenton Line following the derailment.
(JAKE DIBLASIO / BUCKS COUNTY COURIER TIMES)
“At this time, it is deemed safe. There is no threat to public safety,” he said.
CSX ordered all trains to be stopped, according to radio reports, and SEPTA posted a notification that service has been suspended temporarily on the West Trenton Line. The rail shutdown left tracks quiet and clear of activity near area of the derailment Tuesday afternoon.
McVey said Bristol Road between Old Lincoln and Brownsville Road will remain closed for an indefinite period Tuesday night.
(This story was republished to add a visual element.)
This article originally appeared on Bucks County Courier Times: SEPTA shutdown on West Trenton line after train derails in Bensalem