Officials have reported a Norfolk Southern freight train derailment in Pennsylvania, which occurred on Monday at approximately 5 a.m. ET in Whitemarsh Township. Police have stated that the train was carrying silicone pellets and other materials, resulting in the evacuation of the town. Check out more details about the matter below.
Evacuations have been ordered
“As of now, the only thing that is leaking from any of the rail cars involved, is silicone pellets which pose no risk to the community,” said the department in a Facebook post.
“We are still gathering information at this time and ask you to follow us here for any important factual updates. We thank all the community partners and resources that are working with us on scene ensuring the safety of our community.”
According to some reports, the contents of the cars were not yet identified. Hazmat teams were present at the location, but it is uncertain whether any hazardous substances were leaking from the vehicles, as per The Associated Press.
Public officials confirmed that homes and businesses were evacuated as a safety measure, but there is no known threat to the community. No injuries have been reported.
“Whitemarsh Emergency Services is investigating the derailment of a Norfolk Southern train in the Plymouth Meeting section of Whitemarsh Township,” the local police department said in a Facebook post at 7 a.m. local time.
The police department then confirmed the following as The Epoch Times notes:
“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.”
The 40-car CSX train, which was operating on tracks owned by Norfolk Southern, has reportedly derailed around 4:50 a.m. in Whitemarsh Township. More than a dozen cars seemed to be off the tracks, according to an Associated Press reporter.
