A 15-year-old boy was struck and killed by a CSX freight train late Monday night in Northeast Philadelphia.
The teen, who was reported missing on Sunday and has yet to be publicly identified, was walking southbound along the railroad tracks near the 1500 block of Grant Avenue in Bustleton when he was hit at 11:19 p.m., according to CSX. Crew on board the train were injured.
The Philadelphia Police Department responded to the area at 11:30 p.m. for a report of a train striking a pedestrian. Officers’ initial investigation indicated that a CSX train, operated by a 55-year-old man, was traveling northbound at a “normal operating speed” under dark conditions and limited visibility when the conductor saw the 15-year-old walking along the tracks.
According to police, the conductor immediately initiated emergency braking in an attempt to avoid crashing into the boy, but was unable to stop the train in time. The boy was pronounced dead at the scene 11:44 p.m. by the Philadelphia Fire Department. His body was transported to the Office of the Medical Examiner for further investigation.
“CSX extends its deepest sympathies to everyone impacted by this tragic incident and will support local law enforcement as they complete the investigation,” a CSX spokesperson said.