What was Norfolk Southern freight train carrying? Derailment sparks evacuation and Level 2 Hazmat response
MONTGOMERY COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA: Whitemarsh Town near Pennsylvania was shaken by a frightening incident on Monday morning, when a freight train derailed, sending 16 cars off the track and spilling some of its contents. The train, which was operated by CSX, had 40 cars running on a section of track owned by Norfolk Southern, another railroad company.
The cause of the derailment is still under investigation, but it happened around 4:50 am during rainy weather Near Stenton Avenue and Joshua Road in Plymouth Meeting. The derailment also caused road closures and traffic disruptions in the area. No injuries have been reported so far. However, the situation soon turned into a hazmat scare, as some of the derailed cars were carrying hazardous materials that could pose a threat to the public and the environment.
'It all happened really fast'
As soon as the derailment occurred, a Level 2 hazmat response was activated and local authorities rushed to the scene to assess the situation. Fearing a possible toxic spill or a blast, they ordered the evacuation of nearby homes and businesses, affecting about a dozen families and several workers. One of the evacuees, Mallory Michener, told CBS News Philadelphia that she and her daughter were woken up by pounding on their door and had to leave their home without shoes. She said the situation was “alarming” and “it all happened really fast”. Her daughter added: “Right as you hear the door at 5:30 in the morning, it’s a little shocking. And yeah, it was just scary. First thought for me always goes to my family and friends.”
Twelve nearby homes were evacuated 'out of an abundance of caution'
CSX later confirmed that more than a dozen homes were evacuated during the chaos. "Twelve nearby homes were evacuated shortly after the derailment was reported, 'out of an abundance of caution,” said Whitemarsh Township Police Chief Christopher Ward. Michener further recalled the crisis, “Didn’t really know how long we would be or how serious it was until we pulled out into the neighborhood and saw all the lights, helicopters, fire trucks, etc.”
What was Norfolk Southern freight train carrying?
Law enforcement sources revealed what exactly was the train carrying that prompted such a drastic response. Law enforcement sources at first told FOX29 Philadelphia that the derailed cars - of which there are at least 16 - were carrying silicone pellets, a material used for packing. However, as reports of an unknown white substance leaking from the cracked carrier continued to surface, officials eventually confirmed they had found some silicone pellets leaking from the cars, but that they don’t pose any danger to the community as per the publication.
Meanwhile, AP reported that officials later confirmed 15 cars were derailed, and besides Silicone pellets that leaked from at least one car, five contained urea, other derailed cars had a liquid fertilizer and tetrachloroethylene, which is used as a dry cleaning agent and metal degreasing solvent.
Two other cars were reported to be empty. The incident is told to be 'weather related' as the investigation continues. However, officials have now declared the area safe but it remains unknown when families will be allowed back into homes.