After a freight train derailed in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday afternoon, authorities confirmed that there were no leaks of hazardous materials. Consequently, previous orders to shelter in place and evacuate the area were rescinded.
“The situation has been assessed by hazmat teams, and the area is now secure,” declared the Bensalem Police Department in an official statement. “The public faces no danger. Residents and business owners are free to return to their locations.”
Reports from local news stations NBC10 and 6abc indicate that approximately 16 freight cars went off the rails around 2:15 p.m. situated between Street Road and Neshaminy Falls train station.
Officials confirmed that following the derailment on Tuesday in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, there were no hazardous material leaks detected. (WTXF)
Initially, authorities focused on verifying the contents of the derailed cars, mindful of the possibility that some might have been transporting hazardous materials.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., said no injuries had been reported and that his office was 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 wrote on X. “Local officials have reported several cars involved, which may contain hazardous materials.”
A one-mile shelter-in-place order was initially issued, with residents urged to stay indoors, bring pets inside, close windows, doors and vents, and turn off heating and air conditioning systems.
Authorities initially worked to determine what the cars were carrying amid concerns that some may have contained hazardous materials. (WTXF)
People outside the area were asked to avoid the scene and keep nearby roads clear for emergency crews.
The incident comes more than three years after the East Palestine, Ohio, train derailment raised national concerns over rail safety and the transport of hazardous materials.
Bucks County Emergency Management and the Bensalem Township Police Department could not immediately be reached by News Media for comment.