On Tuesday afternoon, a freight train derailment occurred in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. Officials have confirmed that no hazardous material leaks were detected, allowing for the lifting of previous shelter-in-place and evacuation orders.
Hazmat personnel have deemed the area safe,
the Bensalem Police Department stated. There is no threat to the public. All residents may return to their homes and businesses.
The derailment involved approximately 16 freight cars, happening around 2:15 p.m. between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls train station, as reported by local outlets NBC10 and 6abc.
Authorities expressed initial concern about possible hazardous materials in some of the freight cars. However, no leaks were found. Representative Brian Fitzpatrick mentioned that no injuries were reported. His office is coordinating with local officials, first responders, and the Department of Transportation.
This was a freight derailment and did not occur on commuter rail lines,
Fitzpatrick shared on X. Local officials have reported several cars involved, which may contain hazardous materials.
A one-mile shelter-in-place order was initially issued. Residents were advised to stay indoors, bring pets inside, close windows, doors, and vents, and deactivate heating and air conditioning systems.
The public was asked to avoid the scene to keep nearby roads clear for emergency crews.
The incident is reminiscent of the East Palestine, Ohio train derailment over three years ago, which drew national attention to rail safety and hazardous material transportation.
Attempts to contact Bucks County Emergency Management and the Bensalem Township Police Department for comments were not immediately successful.
Sophia Compton, a writer at Fox News Digital, reported on this story. She has previously covered finance, energy, and tourism with experience as a TV news producer. She holds a journalism degree from the University of Hawaii at Manoa. Story tips can be sent to [email protected].