No injuries were reported after a CSX freight train derailed Tuesday afternoon in Bensalem Township in Bucks County, but nearby residents were urged to shelter in place as a precaution, police said.
Hazmat teams and other emergency personnel were responding to the derailment that occurred between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls train station, Bensalem Township police said.
Residents in the area were urged to stay away from the accident scene and shelter in place, police said.
“We are currently assessing the contents of the train cars and will send an update as soon as we have more information,” Bensalem Township police said.
Images from TV news helicopters showed what appeared to be at least a dozen freight cars derailed.
A spokesperson for CSX said the train derailed just before 2 p.m. near the crossing of East Bristol Road and Grave Avenue.
“Bucks County Emergency Management was immediately notified and is responding to the scene. There were no injuries reported. Our primary focus is on the safety of onsite personnel, the surrounding community, and the environment,” CSX spokesperson Jonathan Stuckey said in an email.
“CSX crews are currently on scene and working as safely and quickly as possible to restore the impacted site. The cause of the incident is currently under investigation. We will provide more information as it becomes available,” Stuckey said.
U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, who represents all of Bucks County, said on social media that a “one-mile shelter-in-place order” was 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,” Fitzpatrick said.
“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,” Fitzpatrick said.
“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,” he said.