Officials have confirmed no hazardous material leaks following a freight train derailment on Tuesday afternoon in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Earlier shelter-in-place and evacuation orders have been lifted, indicating the area is safe.
The Bensalem Police Department stated, “Hazmat personnel have deemed the area safe. There is no threat to the public. All residents may return to their homes and businesses.”
Approximately 16 freight cars derailed around 2:15 p.m. between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls train station, according to reports from NBC10 and 6abc.
No hazardous material leaks were found after a freight train derailment Tuesday afternoon in Bensalem, Pennsylvania.
Authorities initially checked the contents of the freight cars over concerns that some may have contained dangerous substances. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick confirmed that no injuries were reported. He noted that his office was in coordination with local officials, first responders, and the Department of Transportation.
Fitzpatrick stated on X that the incident involved only freight and not commuter rail lines, with local officials noting several cars potentially carrying hazardous materials.
A one-mile shelter-in-place order was briefly in effect. Residents were advised to stay indoors, keep pets inside, and ensure windows, doors, and vents were closed. Heating and air conditioning systems were also to be turned off. People outside the area were told to remain clear to allow emergency crews access.
This event comes over three years after a similar derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, which heightened national awareness around rail safety and the handling of hazardous materials.
Bucks County Emergency Management and Bensalem Township Police were unavailable for immediate comment.
Sophia Compton, the reporter, has a background in covering finance, energy, and tourism and has worked as a TV news producer. She graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a journalism degree in 2021. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].
Leave a Reply