In the early hours of Monday, a CSX freight train carrying 40 cars derailed in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, resulting in precautionary evacuations as stated by officials. The incident took place in Whitemarsh Township at approximately 4:50 a.m., according to CSX.
Officials have confirmed that there were no injuries or immediate threats to public safety following the train derailment. However, it has been reported that one of the train cars involved in the incident contained hazardous materials.
Here is footage of the aftermath:
NBC10 Philadelphia reported that a CSX train derailed on tracks owned by Norfolk Southern.
Sources told FOX 29 that 15 to 20 cars believed to be carrying hazardous materials derailed in the area, prompting a Level 2 hazmat response. Police later said the only material leaking out of the train cars was silicone pellets, which pose no threat to the public.
Crews are on scene responding to the emergency situation.
Police say residents and businesses closest to the derailment site have been evacuated as a precaution.
Whitemarsh Township Police Department shared the following:
Whitemarsh Emergency Services is investigating the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in the Plymouth Meeting section of Whitemarsh Township. The derailment is located in the area bounded by Flourtown Road, Joshua Road and Stenton Avenue.
Precautionary evacuations have occurred at the residents and businesses closest to the scene. It is not believed that further evacuations will be needed, but we will evaluate as we know more.
Representatives of Norfolk Southern and CSX are on location, as are members of Montgomery County’s Department of Public Safety Emergency Response Team.
There are no reported injuries and no known hazard to the public.
“Residents on Camburn Rd are being evacuated near the train derailment in Whitemarsh Twp. Joshua Rd is closed between Flourtown and Stenton. Unclear what is in the detailed cars at this time,” said NBC10 Philadelphia reporter Matt DeLucia.
