Authorities said no hazardous material leaks were detected following a freight train derailment Tuesday afternoon in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, and confirmed that earlier evacuation and shelter-in-place orders have been lifted.
“Hazmat personnel have deemed the area safe,” the Bensalem Police Department said in a statement. “There is no threat to the public. All residents may return to their homes and businesses.”
Roughly 16 freight cars left the tracks at about 2:15 p.m. in the area between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls train station, local outlets NBC10 and 6abc reported.
Officials said no hazardous material leaks were identified after Tuesday afternoon’s freight train derailment in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. (WTXF)
Emergency crews initially focused on identifying the contents of the railcars, as officials investigated whether any were carrying potentially dangerous materials.
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, R-Pa., said there were no reports of injuries and that his office was working with local authorities, first responders and the Department of Transportation.
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“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.”
Officials had first issued a one-mile shelter-in-place order, advising residents to remain indoors, bring pets inside, shut 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 Agency for comment.
