Officials lifted a shelter-in-place order after hazardous materials teams confirmed that no leaking chemicals were found following a freight train derailment in Bensalem on Tuesday afternoon.
Bensalem, PA – A CSX freight train derailed Tuesday afternoon in Bensalem, overturning 13 railcars near Neshaminy Falls Train Station and prompting a temporary shelter-in-place order and evacuations while hazardous materials crews assessed the scene.
The derailment occurred at approximately 2:21 p.m. along the CSX railroad tracks between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls Train Station. Members of the Bensalem Township Department of Public Safety responded after receiving reports of the incident and immediately deployed department drones, which located several detached freight cars that had overturned on the tracks.
Hazardous materials crews assess derailment
According to the preliminary investigation, the eastbound CSX freight train consisted of approximately 72 railcars. Authorities said 13 railcars near the rear of the train derailed and overturned, with three of the affected cars displaying hazardous material placards.
Out of an abundance of caution, the Bucks County Hazardous Materials Response Team was activated while police established a shelter-in-place order for the surrounding area. Officers also went door-to-door along Grove Avenue and Old Lincoln Highway to notify residents and businesses to evacuate as crews evaluated the situation.
Officials said Bensalem Fire Rescue, Bensalem Emergency Medical Services, and the Bucks County Hazardous Materials Response Team inspected the derailed railcars upon arrival.
Shelter order lifted after no leaks found
At approximately 3:45 p.m., emergency officials confirmed that none of the railcars carrying hazardous materials were leaking.
“Officials confirmed that none of the hazardous materials railcars were leaking and that there was no threat to public safety,” the Bensalem Township Department of Public Safety said in its release.
No injuries were reported as a result of the derailment.
Once crews determined there was no danger to the public, authorities lifted the shelter-in-place order, rescinded evacuation orders, and allowed residents and businesses to return to their properties.
The incident scene has since been turned over to CSX, which will oversee the investigation into the derailment and coordinate cleanup operations. SEPTA officials expect rail service to resume after the tracks have been inspected and deemed safe for operation.
Authorities are asking residents 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.
The Bensalem Township Department of Public Safety thanked the numerous agencies that responded, including the Bensalem Township Police Department, Bensalem Fire Rescue, Bensalem Township Volunteer Fire Department, Bensalem Emergency Medical Services, Bucks County Hazardous Materials Response Team, Lower Southampton Police Department, Bucks County Sheriff’s Office, Lower Southampton Fire Department, Feasterville Fire Company, Parkland Fire Company, CSX, SEPTA Transit Police, and DOW Chemical.
Key Points
- A CSX freight train with approximately 72 railcars derailed Tuesday afternoon in Bensalem, with 13 railcars overturning near Neshaminy Falls Train Station.
- Three derailed railcars displayed hazardous material placards, but officials confirmed there were no leaks and no injuries.
- Shelter-in-place and evacuation orders were lifted after the scene was deemed safe, while cleanup continues and Bristol Road remains closed between Old Lincoln Highway and Spruce Avenue.
Related: Bensalem • CSX • Bucks County • Neshaminy Falls Train Station • SEPTA