Freight train derails in Bensalem, Pennsylvania: ‘No threat to public safety’

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A CSX freight train derailed Tuesday afternoon in Bensalem Township near East Bristol Road and Grave Avenue. No injuries were reported.

Bucks County authorities urged residents to stay away from the area but said there is “no threat to public safety at this time.” Shelter-in-place and evacuation orders were lifted, said William McVey, director of public safety for Bensalem Township, at a press conference Tuesday.

At approximately 1:59 p.m., a 72-car freight train traveling eastbound went off the tracks in Bucks County. Sixteen cars derailed, according to McVey.

Hazmat crews and other first responders arrived to assess the contents of the derailed cars and to remain on site for cleanup.

The company said two of the derailed cars were carrying hazardous materials — adipic acid in solid form and isopropanol in liquid form. There were no leaks or spills, a spokesperson for CSX said.

McVey said the CSX hazmat team will be responsible for cleaning up the site and investigating the cause of the derailment.

Bristol Road remains closed between Old Lincoln Highway and Brownsville Road as cleanup of the site is underway.

“CSX crews are currently on scene and working as safely and quickly as possible to restore the impacted site,” a spokesperson for CSX said in an emailed statement. “The cause of the incident is currently under investigation.”

As of Wednesday, trains on SEPTA Regional Rail’s West Trenton line are bypassing Neshaminy Falls Station.

McVey said further updates will come from Bensalem police and public safety departments and the Bucks County Department of Emergency Management.