SEPTA investigates accident involving out-of-service trains [photos]

Officials are investigating an accident involving two out-of-service commuter trains in suburban Philadelphia that injured four railroad workers.

The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority says the Market-Frankford Line trains were at a “loop track” where they turn around after dropping passengers at 69th street terminal when the collision occurred.

SEPTA’s assistant General Manager for Safety Scott Sauer says the collision happened at the height of the morning rush hour, but the trains were NOT carrying passengers.

“Train Number 57 collided with train number 67 on our number 2 loop at 69th Street Terminal.  Train 57 derailed and struck train number 51 which was on the adjacient number 3 loop track at the 69th Street Terminal.”

Four were injured as a result of the crash.  Sauer says the reason for the incident is still under investigation.

“Two of the three operators were unsure of what happened and the third was not capable of being interviewed. We don’t have anything concrete from the witnesses.”

Train service from 69th Street Transportation Center on SEPTA’s Market-Frankford Line is back but there will be no A/B express service during the evening rush hour. Passengers should expect minor delays and crowded conditions. 

The investigation from this morning’s accident involving non-revenue trains near 69th Street Transportation Center is ongoing.