WHITEMARSH TOWNSHIP, Pa. — Approximately 16 cars of a CSX Transportation train operating on a Norfolk Southern rail line derailed this morning (July 17) near Philadelphia, CSX said in a statement.
The derailment occurred in Whitemarsh Township near the Joshua and Flourtown roads. CSX indicates one car containing hazardous materials is involved, but says there is no indication of any leak or spill of hazardous materials. The railroad also confirmed an earlier report that there were no injuries to the crew. About a dozen homes were evacuated out of an abundance of caution. The Washington Post reports that the hazardous material involved was tetrachloroethylene, a chemical used in dry cleaning, and that the evacuation order was lifted at 9 a.m.
The Whitemarsh Township Police Department initially reported in a Facebook post that the derailment involved a Norfolk Southern train. Police said representatives of both railroads were on the scene.
WPVI-TV reports the derailment occurred about 4:50 a.m. The station says video from its helicopter indicates 15 to 20 railcars are involved. Police told the station the only material leaking from the derailed cars were silicone pellets “which pose no risk to the community.”
— Updated at 9:25 a.m. CDT with statement from CSX; updated at 7:30 p.m. CDT with additional details.
