More than a dozen freight train cars derail in Bensalem; no hazmat leaks found
BENSALEM, Pa. (WPVI) -- More than a dozen train cars left the tracks after a freight train derailment on Tuesday afternoon in Bensalem, Bucks County.
There were worries about a hazmat leak due to the materials being carried in three of the cars, but officials say no leaks have been found.
The incident forced evacuation and shelter-in-place orders, but residents have since been allowed to return home.
"There is no threat to public safety at this time," said William McVey, Bensalem's director of public safety. "We're very thankful that nothing is leaking."
The crash happened around 2:15 p.m. between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls train station.
Officials now say 16 of the 72 cars of the eastbound CSX train derailed, with the 16 cars toward the rear of the train overturning.
The cars that caused the hazmat concerns include one that was carrying a type of alcohol substance, and another that was carrying an acid.
Among those evacuated were residents living along Grove Avenue near the tracks. Trey Gale of Bensalem said he was unaware of what had happened at first.
"I was in the living room playing video games; all you hear is 'errrrrrr,'" Gale recalled.
He said police arrived shortly afterward.
"Five minutes later cops came knocked on our door said we have to evacuate," Gale said.
SEPTA said it does not utilize these tracks, but service was suspended on the West Trenton Line, which operates nearby.
"I usually get on West Trenton around this time. It's canceled, so I won't be getting home right now," said Harvey of Huntingdon Valley.
Residents expressed relief as evacuation orders were lifted.
"All my neighbors had to evacuate. I have elderly neighbors; some don't drive," said Keyanna Myrick of Bensalem
No injuries have been reported.
Bristol Road is closed from Old Lincoln Highway to Brownsville Road.
CSX is working to clear the derailment site. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.
