More than a dozen cars are believed to have come free from the tracks with hazmat teams racing to the scene
Residents in Bucks County are being told to shelter with their doors and windows closed after more than a dozen cars transporting hazardous substances came off the train tracks.
The freight train is believed to have come free from the tracks at around 2pm today in the Pennsylvania county, with around 13 cars estimated to have come free in the horrifying incident.
Local news reports the crash occurred as it travelled on the East Bristol Road and Grove Avenue near the Neshaminy Falls Train Station in Bensalem, reports The Mirror.
Paramedics as well as a a hazmat team are on the scene amid a flurry of other first responders. Bucks County Emergency Management reported the derailment as a hazardous materials incident.
Officials have yet to confirm what material the train was carrying. Residents are urged to shelter in place indefinitely, keep windows, doors, and vents closed, and turn off their air conditioning.
Officials warn residents that potential exposure could cause respiratory conditions, loss of coordination, and burning in the eyes, nose, throat, and lungs.
At least 13 cars derailed, according to reporting from NBC 10 Philadelphia. Bensalem Public Safety Director William McVey said no injuries have been reported yet.
Due to the emergency, Bristol Road is closed between Brownsville Road and Old Lincoln Highway.
SEPTA has suspended service on the West Trenton Line, which is close to but separate from the CSX-operated freight line.
There is no information yet as to why the derailment occurred.
Pennsylvania Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick issued a statement on Facebook in response to the incident, stating that the derailment did not occur on commuter rail lines and a one mile shelter-in-place is in effect.
The statement is in full below:
“My office is working directly with local officials and first responders, as well as the Department of Transportation, following the freight train derailment in Bensalem near Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls Train Station. 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. 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.”
“A one-mile shelter-in-place order is currently in effect. Anyone within that area should remain indoors, bring pets and other animals inside, close windows, doors, and vents, and turn off heating and air conditioning systems until further notice.”
“Those outside the shelter-in-place area should avoid the scene, keep surrounding roads clear, and allow police, fire, EMS, and Hazmat personnel to respond safely. We will remain closely engaged with federal and local officials and will continue to provide updates as the situation develops and more information becomes available.
“We are incredibly grateful for every first responder and emergency personnel on the scene, and we ask you to join us in praying for their safety.”
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