Freight Train Collides With Cement Truck In Middletown Twp.

Updated: 1:46 p.m. Thursday

MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP, PA —A freight train struck a cement truck early Thursday morning, suspending service on SEPTA's West Trenton Line and causing delays for motorists and students in two school districts.

The Middletown Township Police Department said road closures and the cleanup of the crash could last into the afternoon or early evening.

The accident happened just before 5:30 a.m. Thursday near the Woodbourne Station, SEPTA spokeswoman Kelly Greene said. The crash was at the Big Oak Road and Township Line Road crossing.

She said service on the West Trenton Line is suspended until further notice. Check SEPTA's system status for the latest information.

The Middletown Township Police Department said that a CSX train struck a cement truck and that there do not appear to be any injuries at this time.

The Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company said Thursday afternoon that the truck had been cleared from the tracks and that there may be further delays at the Woodbourne Road and Big Oak railroad crossings as the cleanup continues.

Police ask motorists and residents to avoid the area until further notice. Officers will be directing traffic around the crash scene.

Police said the crash is not a Hazmat incident. Police said a small amount of diesel fuel, and a larger amount of gypsum (plaster or drywall dust) along the tracks where the crash occurred was found, but that there is no hazard to the public.

CSX, SEPTA, and the township's public works department is on the scene evaluating and beginning the cleanup to get the crossing back open.

This is likely to last well into this afternoon or early evening.

The Penndel Volunteer Fire Company said its foam unit was dispatched to assist the Langhorne-Middletown Fire Company in the north end of Middletown Township with the crash.

The Neshaminy School District said that several streets in the area are impassable due to the accident.

School officials said reports indicate that the area between Hickory Lane and Cornerstone Drive, Township Line Road, and Flint Road are blocked. There is currently no access to Harpers Cross, and we anticipate additional delays in the area.

"We ask for your patience as we attempt to complete our bus run in that area as soon as possible," the school district's transportation department said.

The Pennsbury School District also said that "there is a strong likelihood of transportation delays this morning" due to the accident.

"There are road closures associated with this accident that may prevent our drivers from reaching certain bus stops. If you are able to, we strongly encourage parents in the affected area to drive their children to school today," school officials said in a Facebook post. "This accident could cause a ripple effect across the district. Please allow extra time for drivers to reach their intended stops this morning."

Please see Patch for further details and updates

(Photos Courtesy of the Penndel Volunteer Fire Company)