Residents warned after freight train 'carrying hazardous materials' derails
More than a dozen cars carrying hazardous materials derailed from a freight train in Bensalem, Bucks County, Pennsylvania, prompting emergency officials to issue urgent shelter-in-place warnings to residents.
The freight train came free from the tracks at approximately 2pm, with at least 13 cars coming loose in what Bucks County Emergency Management reported as a hazardous materials incident. A hazmat team, along with paramedics and other first responders, were immediately dispatched to the scene to assess the situation.
Bensalem Public Safety Director William McVey confirmed that no injuries have been reported so far, though officials have yet to identify the specific hazardous materials being transported. One report indicates that two cars may be carrying hazardous materials, with one listed as holding flammable isopropanol solution.
Residents within a one-mile radius of the derailment have been ordered to shelter in place indefinitely. Authorities are instructing people to remain indoors, bring pets inside, keep windows, doors and vents closed, and turn off heating and air conditioning systems. Officials warn that potential exposure could cause respiratory conditions, loss of coordination, and burning in the eyes, nose, throat and lungs.
In response to the emergency, Bristol Road has been closed between Brownsville Road and Old Lincoln Highway. SEPTA has suspended service on the West Trenton Line, which operates near but separately from the CSX-operated freight line involved in the derailment.
Pennsylvania Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick issued a statement confirming that "this was a freight derailment and did not occur on commuter rail lines." His office stated it is working directly with local officials, first responders, and the Department of Transportation. Authorities remain unable to determine why the derailment occurred and are awaiting further assessment from the hazmat team before providing additional confirmed information. Those outside the shelter-in-place area are being urged to avoid the scene and keep roads clear for emergency personnel.