Hazmat crews respond to CSX freight train derailment in Pennsylvania as residents told to shelter

Emergency crews descended Tuesday afternoon on Bensalem Township, Pennsylvania, after a CSX freight train derailed near the Neshaminy Falls Train Station, prompting a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents and the evacuation of some homes.

CSX said one of its trains derailed multiple cars at around 2 p.m. near the crossing of East Bristol Road and Grove Avenue. Bensalem Township police said between 5 and 10 freight cars came off the tracks. Police, Fire, EMS and hazmat teams responded to the scene between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls Train Station.

No injuries were reported, a CSX spokesperson confirmed. Authorities declared the incident a hazardous materials situation as officials worked to determine what the derailed cars were carrying.

“We are currently assessing the contents of the train cars and will send an update as soon as we have more information,” the Bensalem Township Police Department said. 

Lower Southampton Police said some homes in the area were being evacuated and that Bristol Road was closed between Brownsville Road and Old Lincoln Highway. Residents were urged to avoid the area and remain sheltered until further notice. 

SEPTA suspended service on its West Trenton Line, though the agency does not use the tracks where the derailment occurred — the suspension was prompted by the emergency response in the area. 

CBS Philadelphia reported that CSX crews were working to restore the scene and investigate the cause of the derailment.

This is a developing story.