Shelter-in-place orders issued after freight train carrying hazardous materials derails
A freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in a Pennsylvania community Tuesday afternoon, prompting a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.
The derailment happened around 2.20pm ET in Bensalem, Bucks County, between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls train station.
Aerial footage from Chopper 6 showed that at least 10 train cars had jumped the tracks.
Hazmat crews rushed to the scene after officials learned that two of the derailed cars were reportedly carrying hazardous materials.
Police, fire and rescue services have also rushed to the scene. No injuries have been reported at this time.
Bensalem police said they are still working to determine exactly what the train cars contain.
However, officials said one of the derailed cars is carrying a flammable isopropanol solution, or rubbing alcohol, and crews are currently checking for any leaks.
As a precaution, residents living between Brownsville Road and Old Lincoln Highway have been urged to remain indoors and avoid the area until authorities provide further updates.
The derailment happened around 2.20pm ET in Bensalem, Bucks County, between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls train station
Aerial footage from Chopper 6 showed that at least 10 train cars had jumped the tracks
Locals received text alerts shortly after the train derailed, notifying them of the situation.
‘Go inside. Bring pets and other animals indoors. Close windows and vents. Stay indoors until further notice,’ the message states.
Rep Brian Fitzpatrick said on X that a one-mile shelter-in-place order is currently in effect.
‘This was a freight derailment and did not occur on commuter rail lines. Local officials have reported several cars involved, which may contain hazardous materials,’ said Fitzpatrick.
‘At this time, no injuries have been reported. We will not have further confirmed information until the Hazmat Team is on scene and able to assess the rail cars.’
The Lower Southampton Police Department warned that Bristol Road is closed between Brownsville Rd and Old Lincoln Highway.
‘We are assisting Bensalem Police with a train derailment with a possible hazmat issue. Please avoid the area. Some homes are being evacuated; please cooperate with police and fire personnel,’ the department added.
While authorities have not disclosed what the derailed cars were carrying, federal rail data show that flammable liquids account for the largest share of hazardous materials transported by rail in the US.
Bensalem police said they are still working to determine exactly what the train cars contain
These shipments often include crude oil, ethanol and petroleum-based products.
Compressed and liquefied gases, such as propane and chlorine, are the second most common type of hazardous cargo, followed by a broad category of miscellaneous hazardous materials, as well as corrosive substances and smaller quantities of explosives, toxic chemicals and radioactive materials.