A freight train carrying hazardous materials derailed in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, on Tuesday afternoon, prompting officials to issue a shelter-in-place order for nearby residents.
The incident occurred around 2:20 p.m. ET in Bucks County, between Street Road and the Neshaminy Falls train station. Aerial footage showed at least 10 train cars had left the tracks.
Hazmat crews were dispatched to the scene after authorities learned that two of the derailed cars were reportedly carrying hazardous materials. Bensalem police stated they were still working to determine the exact contents of the cars, but confirmed that one car was carrying a flammable isopropanol solution. Crews were assessing for any leaks.
As a precautionary measure, residents living between Brownsville Road and Old Lincoln Highway were advised to stay indoors and avoid the area until further updates from authorities. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick confirmed on X that a one-mile shelter-in-place order was in effect, noting that the derailment did not occur on commuter rail lines. He added that no injuries had been reported at that time.
Federal rail data indicates that flammable liquids, such as crude oil and ethanol, constitute the largest share of hazardous materials transported by rail in the U.S. Other common hazardous cargoes include compressed gases like propane and chlorine, as well as corrosive substances and, in smaller quantities, explosives, toxic chemicals, and radioactive materials.
Emergency services, including police, fire, and rescue teams, responded to the scene. At the time of reporting, no injuries had been confirmed.
