Major Train Derailment In Montco: Gov. Shapiro Responds

WHITEMARSH TOWNSHIP, PA — A CSX freight train riding on Norfolk Southern tracks derailed in Whitemarsh Township early Monday morning, leading to precautionary evacuations of area businesses and homes and extensive cleanup efforts, authorities said.

No injuries have been reported and there is no known danger to the public from the crash, according to authorities. It remains unclear what else the train was carrying beyond silicon pellets, which police said are harmless.

The incident occurred at around 5 a.m. in the Plymouth Meeting section of the township near Flourtown and Joshua roads and Stenton Avenue.

"CSX said there is no indication of any leaks or spills of hazardous materials," Whitemarsh Township said in a statement issued early Monday afternoon.

All families and businesses that were evacuated in the morning were allowed to return by early Monday afternoon.

It remains unclear what caused the accident. The Federal Railroad Administration is continuing to investigate.

"CSX, Norfolk Southern and emergency services continue to monitor the scene while plans for cleanup are developed," the township added.

There were several CSX crew members aboard the train, but none were injured.

Officials further urged motorists and residents to avoid the area as cleanup of the crash commences, as it will involve extensive "heavy equipment."

Eyewitnesses reported at least a dozen of the train’s cars off the tracks, though the exact number has not been confirmed by authorities.

Gov. Josh Shapiro and other state and local leaders said they are monitoring the incident, which comes just months after another derailment of a freight train near the Ohio border caused an environmental catastrophe.

“My team and I are monitoring the train derailment in Whitemarsh Twp and assisting local first responders,” Gov. Shapiro said. “Thank you to the residents taking precautions at the direction of local authorities. I urge you to continue following their instruction.”

It appears that the harmless silicone pellets were the only thing that spilled “at this time,” police said. Officials did not say what else the train’s derailed cars were carrying.

“We are still gathering information at this time,” police added just after 7 a.m.

Crews from Norfolk Southern, CSX, and Montgomery County’s Department of Public Safety Emergency Response team are at the site of the crash, along with Whitemarsh police.

This is a breaking story. Refresh the page for details as they become available.