BENSALEM, Pa. — Cleanup efforts are continuing after a CSX freight train derailed Tuesday afternoon in Bensalem Township, sending multiple rail cars off the tracks and prompting a large emergency response from agencies across Bucks County.
The derailment occurred shortly before 2 p.m. near East Bristol Road and Grove Avenue. According to officials, the eastbound freight train consisted of 72 rail cars, with 16 of them leaving the tracks.
Three of the derailed cars were carrying hazardous materials, prompting authorities to issue a temporary shelter-in-place order and evacuate several nearby homes and businesses while hazmat crews assessed the situation.
After conducting air monitoring and inspecting the rail cars, emergency officials confirmed there were no hazardous material leaks and no threat to the public. The evacuation and shelter-in-place orders were later lifted, allowing residents to return home.
Officials also confirmed there were no reported injuries as a result of the derailment.
Emergency crews from Bensalem Fire Rescue, Bensalem EMS, Bucks County Special Operations, county Hazmat teams, police departments, and numerous mutual aid agencies responded to the scene.
CSX has taken over cleanup operations and is working to remove the derailed rail cars and repair the damaged section of track. The cause of the derailment remains under investigation.
Motorists should continue to expect traffic disruptions in the area as cleanup operations continue. Rail service in the area was also impacted while crews worked to secure the scene.
First Source News will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.
Photo Credit: Bensalem Fire Department
